[Wonder Warthog]

"In those studies, did they test the parental involvement? As a child, my parents forced me to pick it up when I was slacking off. The parents of my peers did not. Some of them earned mediocre scores."

Actually, most of these "inter-country" tests pick the "best and brightest" kids for each country to take part, so I suspect "parental involvement" isn't a factor. Thse are our "elite" students. The sad fact of the matter is that the US educational system is grossly deficient, and has been "dumbed down" so badly that our children are being short-changed in a major way.

[WesternPacific]

US educational system is grossly deficient

The education system is deficient because we the voter allow it to be so. It is like a child, it will live up to our expectations or grow more corrupt from our neglect. I agree with what was posted earlier that it is much easier to get on these chat boards and complain then to actually do something about it.

People complain about the NEA being so powerful. Well, if parents and the concerned public would actually get together and fight the NEA the power would shift.

Our education system is so broken it will take a major shift in public opinion and a very strong coalition of a truly concerned public to right this sinking ship.

[mysterio]

so I suspect "parental involvement" isn't a factor.

I suspect that you are incorrect.

[CottonBall]

Actually, most of these "inter-country" tests pick the "best and brightest" kids for each country to take part, so I suspect "parental involvement" isn't a factor. Thse are our "elite" students.

Actually, the TIMSS (trends in international math and science study) tests did test cross-section of students at all income levels and abilities. And they did do some tests on the 'best and brightest' as well, defined as those taking Calculus and Physics. Again, even in those tests, we came in last in math and next to last in physics. Or vice versa. I can't remember exactly...