U.S. does offer a world-class education
By Naomi Dillon
03/09 -- Since Sputnik launched into outer space more than a half century ago, the United States has been on a race to close a perceived achievement gap with other industrialized nations. But is the U.S. education system really that far behind?
If you were to rely on reports and studies in the half-century since the space race began, you’d think the nation and its education system hadn’t done much to narrow that gap, said Yong Zao, a Michigan State University educational psychology professor and director of the school’s Center for Teaching and Technology.
As examples of the naysayers, Zao points to the 1983 report, A Nation at Risk, and a 2001 documentary that shows U.S. students are less prepared than students in China and India.
But, Zao told state school boards association leaders at NSBA’s Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., the U.S. “wouldn’t be as competitive as we are” if those reports were true. In fact, he said, the U.S. “has never slipped below the top 10” in the world in GDP.
As further evidence, Zao offered the First International Math Study, which was conducted in 1964 and involved 13-year-olds from 10 countries. While the U.S. finished second to last, that generation has grown to be the primary work force driving an economy that, despite the current recession, is one of the strongest in the world.
The reality is the U.S. is one of the most innovative countries in the world, holding the patents, copyrights, and licenses to most of the products manufactured today. But the reality also is that globalization has expanded the market and changed what we should teach and learn, Zao said.
“In the global economy, everything has value, unlike the age of industrialization where you were trying to force production in only one way,” he said.
Staying competitive in the 21st century means developing niche markets and offering something different, Zao said. Schools can help by inspiring passion in students, cultivating entrepreneurship, and valuing individual talents.
“We need to allow students to express their dreams and support them,” he said.
Reproduced with permission from School Board News. Copyright © 2009, National School Boards Association. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect positions of NSBA. This article may be printed out and photocopied for individual or educational use, provided this copyright notice appears on each copy. This article may not be otherwise transmitted or reproduced in print or electronic form without the consent of the Publisher. For more information, call (703) 838-6789.