Checking out this article tonight: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090518/ap_on_re_us/us_education_trash_talk
I've always said that comparisons of US students to students in foreign countries is flawed. Sure there's stuff we could improve on, but students are learning. No Child Left Behind is a pipe-dream, but the opportunity is there for students who desire to learn and parents who are willing to stress the importance of an education. Frankly, we teachers don't have much say over the close nurture of a parent. If the parent doesn't support it, chances are the student isn't going to try to their potential. For that matter, they probably won't work to their potential if their parents do stress it. Life in America is too easy, and until we have to struggle, it is my belief that things won't change much in this country.
My opinion for what it's worth.
