Much analysis has been offered on the unequal quality of education and the need to close gaps in education. In a recent Op-Ed by Arthur Levine in the Wall Street Journal, it was asserted that there was a growing divide among U.S. students, as well as a divide between U.S. students and their international counterparts.
The divide between advantaged and disadvantaged school districts in the U.S. has received generous attention. However, it is also important to analyze the possible gap between the brightest U.S. students and the brightest students from other countries. The purpose of this analysis would be to offer an "apples to apples" comparison - the best U.S. students against the best international students.
Mr. Levine offers data in the lower scores on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) by U.S. students when compared to their international peers. These data points are certainly cause for concern. However, it is also worth noting that the experience for U.S. students at the International Biology Olympiad has not supported the claim that bright U.S. students are falling behind bright international students. Since CEE began administering the USA Biology Olympiad, every member of "Team USA" has medaled at the International Biology Olympiad. All four members of the teams from 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 were awarded gold medals. In 2011, Team USA achieved the coveted Number 1 position in the world.
While we have many challenges to improve U.S. education, there is reason to believe that, when properly prepared, U.S. students will match up and succeed against any bright student in the world.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100008723963904442231045780411812557133…