One way to bridge science and society is to better understand the role of formal education in creating a scientifically literate society and to examine programs and policies that lead to greater scientific learning. Though the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is primarily focused on comparisons among countries, several states have participated in the study as separate entities. Two of these states, Massachusetts and Minnesota, have participated in TIMSS twice. After their first participation, both states used the TIMSS data to reexamine their programs and policies in a bid to positively affect student learning. In 2007, both states once again participated in TIMSS, showing significant improvement in student learning. This symposium will focus on both the results of TIMSS and the factors that led to improved student performance.