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They know that they only use the results of their cream of the crop on math and science tests, while we include everyone, even kids in Special Ed, which they never would. We are comparing apples to oranges again.
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While this is often repeated by the unions, it is ABSOLUTELY false. People who can look at data with objectivity know that that canard has died a long time ago.
Do yourself a favor and google the US Department of Education pages that cover the international tests such as TIMSS or PISA. Actually, let me save you some time:
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Source: Highlights From the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2003 Average student performance in the United States is compared to that of students in other countries that participated in each assessment.
All estimates for the United States are based on the performance of students from both public and private schools, unless otherwise indicated. All countries were required to draw random, nationally representative samples of students and schools.
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The extensive data made available by tests such as PISA allow for deep analysis of the pools, including SES differences and level of schools. That is why it is so easy to debunk the myth of "creaming the pool" for the tests.
Think the US Department of Education would not use the argument of skewed testing as an excuse ... if it were available.