The 2012 NSSME collected data to answer several research questions, including:
- What instructional/assessment practices do science and mathematics teachers use, and how well do these align with current understanding of learning?
- What influences teachers’ decisions about content and pedagogy?
- What are the characteristics of the science/mathematics teaching force in terms of race, gender, age, content background, beliefs about teaching and learning, and perceptions of preparedness?
- What are the most commonly used textbooks/programs, and how are they used?
- What formal and informal opportunities do science/mathematics teachers have for on-going development of their knowledge and skills?
- How are resources for science/mathematics education, including well-prepared teachers and course offerings, distributed among schools in different types of communities and different socioeconomic levels?