A recent study reveals some troubling information about the state of education in America.
Despite our government’s education reform efforts, the study shows American students have not improved in math, science, and reading in four decades. Alternatively, our international competitors have consistently improved test scores in each of these areas.
Another alarming statistic finds that the longer American children are in school, the further behind international students they fall. Of course, this fact speaks volumes about the quality of K-12 education in the U.S.; however, it also has major negative ramifications for institutions of higher education.
It seems that just when students are beginning their higher education is when they are the furthest behind internationally.
Because U.S. students aren’t where they need to be, other nations are taking advantage of our educational shortcomings. In fact, “In 1995, America was tied for first in college graduation rates; by 2006, this ranking had dropped to 14th.”
While one does not need a college degree to be a productive member of society, the statistics make clear that education reform efforts, both in K-12 and higher education, are generally headed in the wrong direction.
Reforms over the last 40 years such as increasing education spending are not yielding the anticipated results. In fact, the McKinsey study finds that “school spending in the U.S. is among the least cost-effective in the world.” True reformers should start looking at where the money goes and not just focus on spending more.
– Elizabeth Young