“In math and science, for example, our fourth graders are among the top students globally. By roughly eighth grade, they’re in the middle of the pack. And by the 12th grade, U.S. students are scoring generally near the bottom of all industrialized countries.”
This is not encouraging.
It reminds me of the study that forms the basis of The Teaching Gap: American math classrooms teach rote learning, whereas other countries (such as Germany and Japan) teach general problem-solving skills. As a result, their kids develop math skills faster, and reach higher levels.
If you don’t think that this is a serious problem for the future of the U.S., then I’m sorry to say it, but you’re confused.