The U.S. has established itself as one of the most powerful countries in the world for over sixty years, starting with the conclusion of the Second World War. In the 80’s America established itself as a superpower, beating Russia in the arms race. Today we still compete with many nations on military and economic levels. But one must ask how long this will go on. Results are starting to suggest that the younger generations of American students are falling way behind the academic standards in most countries.
For the longest time, Finland has held some of the smartest students in the world. They have about an hour of homework each night, and are on a first name basis with their teachers. They have no valedictorians or classes for gifted students. Quite a contrast to the ridged cast structure the U.S. calls its education system. Classes are built to fit the students. No one moves on until every student learns the lesson, the kids who finish early helping the slower learners. It basically boils down to responsible students and well-trained teachers. Much of this is said to come from the Socialist government of Finland, who also provides book packets it families with children and collage. But this argument is no longer as valid, as many new countries are stepping up to the academic plate.
When it was Finland was at the top, it wasn’t such a concern. But now that our K-12 students are being outperformed academically by China and India, the two highest populated countries in world, it is cause for serious concern. Combined with two of the fastest growing economies and cultures that embrace intellectual challenge, the U.S. is headed for a future that it can’t keep up with. Its important to realize that India and China have a combined population of 2.3 billion people and will have an enormous educated workforce in the years to come. All three countries are producing highly trained, competitive and motivated students. Among most international ranks, the United States falls in the C range. So what happens once the next generations of businessmen come to power? Are we going to be able to keep up? I think we need to stop forcing all the standardization. Plans for our educational system needs to focus on the learning of individual groups of students. It’s impossible to lump all students together on one test form.
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