Designed to provide an international cross-section of data on science and mathematics education, this document describes the educational systems of countries that developed innovative approaches to science education. The science-centered systems of Japan, People's Republic of China, East Germany, West Germany, and the Soviet Union are featured in this symposia series publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. A review is provided of each country's educational objectives, philosophy, practices, curricula, teacher quality, and teacher education programs. Concerns associated with the disciplinary approach to secondary instruction, the polytechnicalization of general education, and the role of education in technological development are addressed. The basic differences between U.S. policies and practices and those of Japan, West Germany, East Germany, China, and the Soviet Union are explained and the lessons derived from this study are discussed. Nine specific recommendations are offered in areas dealing with the school, teacher preparation, and the federal government. (ML)