Three steps to fix our schools

The nation's public schools have been battered by a continuing stream of bad news in the past few years, challenging what at one time was considered one of the world's leading education systems. In 2010, the results of international testing comparing students in 34 developed countries showed a stunning decline in U.S. test scores. The U.S. had sunk to the middle of the pack in reading and science and near the bottom in math. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, "The hard truth is other countries have passed us by during the past two decades. Americans need to wake up to this educational reality — instead of napping at the wheel while emerging competitors prepare their students for economic leadership."

By James Campbell

January 9, 2012