Thursday, December 5, 2013

Week 7 RSS Feed - American School Performance

This article compares American education system to other education systems around the globe. Specifically the article focuses on Math, Science and Reading scores from various education systems. The article points out that “In mathematics, 29 nations and other jurisdictions outperformed the United States by a statistically significant margin” (Chappell, 2103). Additionally, “In reading, 19 other locales scored higher than U.S. students” (2013). I find this interesting because I have lived in other countries such as Italy and Japan, and while stationed in those areas I was able to learn a lot about their educational system. On average, I can see American students do not have the desire to learn like in Italy and Japan. Also in Japan teachers hold a prestigious job, similar ratings as with doctors. The education system in Japan is looked at as a cornerstone to the countries success, family success and personal success; unfortunately unlike in America it seems to be looked at more as a stepping-stone.

Within the article you can also have the chance to test your own abilities at taking a mock test if you want to see where you would stand among other countries.


Chappell, B. (December 3, 2013). U.S. Students Slide In Global Ranking On Math, Reading, Science. Retrieved December 5, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/12/03/248329823/u-s-high-school-students-slide-in-math-reading-science?ft=1&f=1013

2 comments:

  1. Interesting to hear your point of view Ken, especially since you have first-hand experience with education in countries other than the U.S. I am interested in the quiz, I will have to try it and see where I stand. :)
    -Sam

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good article Ken. These same findings have been going on for years. I too have traveled and seen the education systems in many countries. I agree with your view on the state of education in the world, and especially the United States. Even some of the smaller, third world countries are starting to pass the US. Fame and Fortune seem to be more important than being smart or worldly. Many years ago professors were held in greater respect and now things have gotten too familiar in a sense. We seem to have lost some pride, especially in educational achievement. I think we can turn things around though. With all the faults in the education system, we still spend more in the US than anywhere else in the world, we just need to improve the desire for education and show the world that being intelligent is equal to fame and fortune

    ReplyDelete