American Education Is Falling Behind

Education, the pride and passion of many United States citizens, is an issue in the United States that has drawn scrutiny over past fifty years. The United States is no longer viewed as the leader of Education, as it may have or may have not once been viewed. We are falling behind countries like Japan, China, and other countries in most subjects. In order to try to close the gap in education between us and the countries that are on top in the education world; we have implemented laws, such as the No Child Left Behind Act. Some may suggest that we need to adapt more of an Asian-style approach: “US education system requires an ‘Asian’ overhaul-for example, longer school days, more frequent short recess periods, and an earlier introduction of vocational focus.” (Spellings 2010, 68) The history of American education has been viewed one of the strongest in passed time, although there can be an argument made that we may have been underperforming compared to other countries for quite some time. “The United States, in fact, has a history of performing poorly on international comparisons, in 1964, three decades before the inaugural TIMSS, the United States participated in the First International Mathematical Study, along with 11 other nations. The United Sttes’ 13-year olds finished 11th out of 12 countries taking part.” (Cavanagh 2012) Cavanagh (2012) stated that some of the other countries that participated in First International Mathematical Study were Australia, England, Finland, and Japan. This information suggests that we have been around, or below average in education, regardless of what we say or think. “Although we have many fine institutions, we do not really have any data to prove we are the best. We just assert it, and the world believes it.” (Spelling 2010, 70) In 1965, there was an act similar to NCLB; the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was a the beginning passage under which Title I was created. “Title I, begun with the passage of the

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