American officials lament U.S. students' mediocre skills in math and science, and warn that China, with its firm academic emphasis on those subjects and its enormous student population, stands to reap economic rewards from American complacency. They suggest reforming math and science education in the U.S. to more closely resemble the systems traditionally used in China. Yet China's government is, in contrast, seeking to inject more American-style flexibility into its math and science curriculum, by placing less emphasis on exams and more focus on cultivating students' creative and analytical skills, which Chinese school officials believe are lacking. Chinese teachers are being encouraged to move away from lectures, drills, and memorization in class, and to invite more discussion and student-led activity. Schools are adding more elective courses and independent research projects. Textbooks are being rewritten. Chinese officials also say they are committed to increasing opportunities for students, especially those from poor, rural areas. Differences between American and Chinese cultural traditions concerning education, educational texts, and teacher training are discussed.