Abstract
USA-Japan Comparative Research on Science and Mathematics Education aimed at obtaining implications to improve quality of mathematics and science education through comparative study method. One of three groups, which were formed under this research, focused on relationship between school and society, and conducted the third-year field survey from Nov. 29^<th>, 2004 to Dec. 6^<th>, 2004. It visited National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Science Foundation in Virginia, Association of Children's Museums and Association of Science-Technology Centers in Washington DC, American Museum of Natural History in New York, and Family Math Program in San Francisco, in order to survey on the linkage programs between school and society. From this year survey, there are two major findings. The first one is that there exist two types of education whose major concerns are equity or excellence. The equity corresponds with children museums and the excellence with science museums. The second one is difference in the societal background between USA and Japan in term of advocacy and high attrition rate of teachers. As a result of the three years survey, we realized that it is necessary to set a long-term direction of education like Science for All Americans (AAAS, 1989), and it is the most important point that we can learn from USA despite of the different social backgrounds. This fundamental direction should serve as a starting point of considering a model of new education in 21^<st> century. It should liaise with social education institutions such as museum beyond the boundary of formal education system, and include promotion of scientific literacy in the wake of life long learning society. Finally as a way of conclusion for three years survey, there are 7 more suggestions as follows: (1) Appeal to the society from the academic association (3^<rd>) (2) Establishment of Research Institute of Science and Mathematics Education (2^<nd>) (3) Establishment of synergy relation between school and museum (2^<nd> and 3^<rd>) (4) New role of museum (3^<rd>) (5) Establishment of system of out-of-school science and mathematics education except museum (3^<rd>) (6) Action toward parents (3^<rd>) (7) Budget allocation (3^<rd>)
