<p>Presumably everyone here on this board is talking about someone else’s child when they describe America’s children as indifferently educated and mediocre in other ways as well?</p>
<p>America is a massive country with a decentralized educational system. There is good (which I would suggest is as good as anywhere), indifferent (which is perhaps indifferent because of educational factors and perhaps because of broader sociological issues) and poor (which most often is associated with sociological issues). </p>
<p>NO ONE in Singapore sues the Ministry of Education to get a different educational program for their child. EVERY ONE in Singapore assumes they are responsible for the choices they make and their outcomes. EVERY ONE in Singapore feels that the meritocracy of education is their best path to success. RARELY does anyone think that they will get anything without working hard. </p>
<p>I would suggest that before presuming this to be a matter of curriculum, insufficient, testing, teacher training, etc… IT is important to think about the social-cultural factors and the various additional factors in American life which are significant- so often.</p>