Study Suggests That Americans Are Falling Behind In Curriculum

The OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment ( PISA ) has attempted to measure the academic accomplishments of students in OECD member countries around the world.

A PISA 2006 Report taken of 15-year-olds assesses the top performers in science, reading, and mathematics.

U.S. Ranking Among OECD Countries
Science – U.S. Ranked 15th
Mathematics – U.S. Ranked 24th
Reading - U.S. Ranked 15th

Other Interesting Findings
1.  Performance in Math and Science were closely related.
2.  There was no significant difference between males and females. But, males did much better in science and math. Females did much better in reading.
3.  Top performers tend to come from significantly more advantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Although, not all top performers came from this background. A disadvantaged background is not an insurmountable barrier to academic excellence.
4.  Some countries do not variate in performance, while others do show greater disparities.
5.  Students from more advantaged backgrounds go to schools that offer more demanding curriculum. Such schools attract better teachers.
6.  Top performers in science spend more time in science classrooms.
7.  At least 68% of science top performers were more interested in human biology than other science fields.
 

It is clear that advanced learning in technology is necessary for innovation. Innovation benefits the whole society. Highly skilled workers are in great demand.

Globalisation and computerisation have affected the markets tremendously.