The Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) provides an opportunity to benchmark student achievement against world class standards and to examine the influences of curriculum, textbooks, and educational systems on student achievement. Findings indicate that U.S. students at the fourth grade above the international average in both math and science, but at the eighth grade they perform about average in science and below average in math. The issue examines some of the factors that are important in influencing students' achievement in math and science. Graphics and tables presenting some results of TIMSS comparing the status of U.S. students with students from other countries are included. (ASK)