How far behind is the US in math?

The most recent PISA results, from 2015, placed the U.S. an unimpressive 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science. Among the 35 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which sponsors the PISA initiative, the U.S. ranked 30th in math and 19th in science.

How does the American education system work?

The system is broken down into three stages: elementary school (Grades K–5), middle school (Grades 6–8) and high school (Grades 9–12). Testing takes place throughout the year, to ensure that pupils are on track.

Is America’s math education getting worse?

And we’re getting worse: American math scores on the PISA, which is given once every three years, declined in both 2012 and 2015. The problem, Andreas Schleicher, director of education and skills at the OECD, agrees, is with the way math is taught in the United States.

Do other countries teach math differently than the US?

Other countries teach it differently – and see higher achievement. American students struggle in math. The latest results of an international exam given to teenagers ranked the USA ninth in reading and 31st in math literacy out of 79 countries and economies.

Are teachers to blame for America’s Math shortage?

Teachers aren’t the problem, but the way people learn math in the U.S. doesn’t add up. Earlier this spring the U.S. Department of Education released the results from the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and only 33 percent of eighth-graders tested proficient in math at grade level.

What are the problems with the US education system?

Let’s examine 18 problems that prevent the US education system from regaining its former preeminence. Parents are not involved enough. Schools are closing left and right. Our schools are overcrowded. Technology comes with its downsides. There is a lack of diversity in gifted education. School spending is stagnant, even in our improving economy.