the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, how do U.S. students compare with their peers around the world? Despite being one of the world’s leading economies, the United States continues to face challenges in education, particularly in math and science, according to international assessments. As new education policies loom under the incoming Trump administration, these results provide a backdrop for what changes may lie ahead.
U.S. Education Performance: The Numbers Don’t Lie
One key measure of global education performance is the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). This test evaluates 15-year-olds’ abilities in reading, math, and science every three years across dozens of countries.
The most recent PISA results (2015) reveal:
- The U.S. ranked 38th out of 71 countries in math.
- In science, the U.S. fared slightly better, placing 24th globally.
- Among the 35 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the U.S. was 30th in math and 19th in science.
Younger students perform slightly better on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), which tests fourth- and eighth-graders every four years. In the 2015 assessment:
- 10 countries outperformed the U.S. in fourth-grade math, while 7 surpassed it in science.
- For eighth-graders, 7 countries had higher average math and science scores.
National Progress: Stalled or Regressing?
Domestically, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as “the Nation’s Report Card,” highlights worrying trends:
- Math scores for fourth- and eighth-graders dropped in 2015 for the first time since 1990.
- Only 40% of fourth-graders, 33% of eighth-graders, and 25% of 12th-graders were rated “proficient” or “advanced” in math.
Science results show marginal improvement:
- From 2009 to 2015, fourth- and eighth-graders’ average science scores rose slightly, but 12th-grade scores remained stagnant.
Public perception mirrors these results. A 2015 Pew Research Center report found that only 29% of Americans believe U.S. K-12 STEM education is above average. Scientists were even more critical, with just 16% rating it as above average.
Teachers vs Parents
Teachers say the parents run the schools and all assume their Johnny or Janie is special , perfect and deserves and A regardless as to weather they make any effort or not . Parents say teachers look to indoctrinate and not educate students. There is however some agreement, bother teachers and parents want the government out , both at least the quality teachers agree with many serious parents that academic rigor needs to be restored .
Trump Administration’s Education Agenda: What’s Next?
President-elect Donald Trump has proposed significant shifts in education policy that could reshape schools nationwide. Here’s a breakdown of potential changes:
1. Abolishing the Department of Education
- Trump has floated the idea of dismantling the federal Department of Education, viewing it as a bureaucratic expense.
- Programs like the Office for Civil Rights could move to other departments, such as Justice. However, this would require congressional approval.
2. Federal School Choice
- Trump advocates for a federal school choice program, aiming to expand options for parents, such as private schools or alternative education pathways.
- Critics worry this could pressure states into adopting voucher programs, potentially undermining public schools.
3. Student Loan Reforms
- Trump has signaled opposition to President Biden’s loan forgiveness efforts, likely reversing initiatives such as the SAVE repayment plan and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
4. Title IX and Transgender Policies
- Changes are expected to under Title IX, including restrictions on transgender students’ participation in sports and use of facilities.
5. Curriculum and DEI Policies
- Trump has called for withholding federal funding from schools teaching Critical Race Theory or promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
- Colleges with DEI initiatives could face financial penalties, a move critics argue threatens academic freedom.
Balancing Global Competition and Local Control
As U.S. students lag behind their global peers, the Trump administration’s policies could profoundly reshape education. Whether these measures improve outcomes remains to be seen, but they signal a shift toward greater local control and potentially more divisive cultural debates.
Education is at a crossroads in America. Will new policies ignite the change needed to elevate U.S. students on the global stage—or further widen existing divides? Only time will tell.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com