Have I mentioned Education?

When I was in my Masters program, I took some classes on statistics. These weren't so much classes on how to make statistics, but on how to interpret them. With statistics, you can prove just about anything. Let's look at America's "failing education system." Supposedly, we are failing our students when we compare America with other countries. Well, what are we comparing?

Most countries, have different education systems and goals than we do. Lets look at some areas where there are differences.

First, and most obvious, is language. How can you compare tests in different languages? Are the tests on the same material? Are the answers to the questions given the same degree of difficulty? What is expected of the student in the answer? In the SATs, students in America are allowed to use calculators on the math sections. ( I don't know what they do in China.) When I took my college entrance exam we didn't have calculators. Are today's test questions the same as the test I took? Has math changed that much? Are we testing the use of calculators or knowledge of math principles?

Second, different countries have different systems. The concept of the same eduction for every student is not universal. In Germany, students take different educational tracts after the elementary grades 1-4. Better students take more advanced courses and different subjects. Many countries have selective schools based upon student performance and expectations. In America equal opportunity has been confused with the same education for all. We have taken ability out of the equation. We assume that everyone should have the same education. Why? When I was a student in a rural community, farm management was an option, wood and metal shop was an option, typing was an option. Everyone didn't have to take and pass a math test to get out of high school. Take 1000 people at random and give them a test. Now take 1000 people who ranked in the top 1/2 of their sixth grade class and give them the test. Which group will perform better? What are the odds?

Third is size. It should be obvious that the size of the population will create a lower average. Without looking up actual numbers, If a country has 1,000,000 students and another has 10,000 students the odds are the test group with one million will have a lower average, but that group will also have more high scores.

If you are reading or hearing about America's dismal performance in an educational test as compared to other countries, consider:

1. What are they comparing, top scores or average scores?
2. What is the test group size for each country?
3. Did the tests cover the same content?
   
4. Where all test groups of comparable students as to age, type of school?
5. What is the countries mandatory educational requirement?

When people say our educational system is failing, then perhaps we need to change the system and not fire the teachers.

If we want top scores, then only let the top scores go to school.

If we want a balanced education for all children in America regardless of capability, life goals, language and citizenship then we must accept that the average education will be less than maximum possible performance of the best. I am not saying that the best won't do better, just not their maximum. I am not saying all children don't deserve and education, just that they should have the education that meets their needs.

I say, give every child the opportunity, but don't keep them in something that is beyond their ability until they just drop out. Give them the education that will give them productive, meaningful, happy lives. We aren't all rocket scientist. I know I'm not one.