Study:US is losing ground in education.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Don C:

Pretty good summary. I'd add in that teachers are hamstrung by increasing regulation and extraneous requirements heaped upon them in this era of unionization and the Department of Education. You rightly point to the biggest single issue, however, as being parental involvement. If the parents don't push education, most kids will never discover it on their own. Then school becomes one more thing to be endured rather than utilized.

Sadly we live in an era where a significant proportion of Americans confirm that they do not read for enjoyment (beyond noting the game scores at the bottom of a sports broadcast screen) and read only what is absolutely required of them professionally. Take the following comparison.

One of the most popular books in recent history, the latest in the Harry Potter series, sold well over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone (perhaps 18 million) -- in a nation of more than 270 millions.

In contrast, Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense sold over 500,000 copies while our population at the time was roughly 2.5 million people -- at least 30% of whom were illiterate! The implied readership of this pamplet is over half the total population -- virtually everyone who could read had read it! Still more who could not read would have gathered to listen to one of the local literati who could.

We are drowning in available information, and most Americans can't be bothered to do more than look at a few pictures and listen to some carefully primped talking head drone on about Brad Pitt or J-Lo.

AAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

Plus our students are burdened in high school with the daunting task of having to master basic algebra and geometry. Trig, Calculus, Advanced Algebraic functions, Advanced Chemistry, and all of Physics are usually optional subjects. Is it any wonder our first year college attrition rate is so appalling?

Sorry, heading off to do some paperwork, I'll start blowing capillaries if I continue this much longer.

Seamus