A ‘Combined gross enrollment ratio’ of 100%
This stat is the joker in the deck. It comes with the assumption that mere enrollment up to tertiary schools is a measure of civilization. There are many enrolled students who are not learning a thing (especially at University), and many “homeschooled” and “College of the Real World” learners who are educated far above the average.
- I agree, it is at least a potential joker, but few would deny that in the case of the, say 15 top scoring nations in terms of HDI, education is often of very high quality.
In the case of Scandinavia, students often score very high in international maths tests, literacy tests, IQ tests etc, etc. I believe this has got something to do with the quality of the Scandinavian educational systems.
Some people, especially Americans themselves, are concerned over the standard of American education, but I’d guess the US performs well in the domain of ‘Combined gross enrollment ratio’. My impression is that, in general, the education people get in the US is of a considerably higher quality than what ordinary people receive in most countries. As a Swede, I’m well aware of the fact that the US towers above all other nations in the area of Nobel Laureates. Even when the large population of the nation is considered, USA looks extremely impressive in this area.
But literacy was already criterion #2. If 100% numerancy was a criterion, I could see it, but there are more paths to math and reading skills than formal schooling. I personally believe high IQ averages have more to do with early nutrition and nurture than with education.
Some people, especially Americans themselves, are concerned over the standard of American education, but I’d guess the US performs well in the domain of ‘Combined gross enrollment ratio’.
I'm sure it does, but, frankly, there are many kids in secondary and tertiary schools who would be better off out, because they are simply marking time. They are gaining little and slowing down the higher achievers.
As a Swede, I’m well aware of the fact that the US towers above all other nations in the area of Nobel Laureates.
Many factors in play on this. We have a long term classless egalitarianism, that also rewards excellence. In a way, we are more a Meritocracy than anything else. I think that environment encourages innovation and attracts talent. But that has little to do with 100% formal schooling, since these people (Nobel Laureates) are a very small percentage of the overall population. For every person who was of this quality that was given the impetus and opportunity by formal education, I would wager there is an equal or greater number whose intellect was stifled by the educational systems.