>>Well if they are out performing our kids in general, what's the difference? They are getting more bang for their dollar/Yen. Thus, their educational system is out performing ours'.
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>But it matters when you give the test. I think you'll find that many of the tests are given at a time when the non-US kids have had an introduction to some subjects, and US kids haven't encountered them yet.
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>Tamar


So the tests reveals that our form of public edcational system is lacking and inefficient. Which is my point. If what you say is true, why is it that their kids are able to handle complex subjects much earlier then our kids? Is it the system or is it the kids.

I would say it's mostly the system that tend to coddle our kids too much in fear of leaving them behind rather then challenging them to keep up.

And don't get me started on some subjects they, the administrator, think are just as important, if not more important, then basic math and science.