According to the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) which compared student performance in mathematics and science in 41 countries in 1995, fourth grade students in the United States perform only slightly above the international average in mathematics. The study showed that most U.S. students are mastering basic arithmetic; however, TIMMS found that U.S. eighth grade students perform below the international average in mathematics. The U.S. was the only country in TIMMS whose students dropped from above average in fourth grade to below average in eighth grade. It is suggested that between grades four and eight, U.S. students need to progress to more advanced mathematics like the students in top-performing countries. This pamphlet includes examples of two challenging mathematics problems that U.S. students did poorly on. In the global economy of the Information Age, students will need to master the basic and advanced mathematics. Students taking algebra, geometry, and other advanced courses in high school are more likely to go to college regardless of their families' income level. Other findings indicate that one out of three job applicants lacks the reading or math skills required for a job and that approximately 90% of new jobs created require more than a high school level of literacy and math skills. Information on the complete TIMSS Resource Kit is also included. (AIM)