U.S. would win no medals in academic Olympics, says advocacy group

Anita Weier  —  8/07/2008 3:55 pm

Many Americans take for granted that the United States will win the most -- or almost the most -- medals at the Olympics in China, but a national organization is stressing that the U.S. would win no gold, bronze or silver in an increasingly tough international academic competition.

The Alliance for Excellent Education, based in Washington, D.C., is stressing some appalling statistics in statements and a series of videos by its president, former West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise, during the Olympic Games.

"In the 2004 games in Athens, the U.S. ranked first in overall medal count," Wise said, adding that American students who must also compete in a global economy, do not do nearly as well.

For instance, he said, the U.S ranked 13th in high school graduation rates this year, with only 70 percent graduating and 30 percent of those who received diplomas not ready for college or the workplace.

A fact sheet from the alliance compares 15-year-old U.S. students with those of the same age in other countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development:

* In 2007, the U.S. ranked 21st of the 30 member nations in scientific literacy, with a score of 489, below the international average of 500. And one-fourth of U.S. 15-year-olds do not reach a baseline level of science achievement in which they demonstrate competencies related to real-life situations, according to OECD.

* The United States ranked 25th of 30 nations in mathematics literacy in 2007. More than one-fourth of U.S. 15-year-olds performed below a baseline proficiency required for daily life.

* In 2003, the United States ranked 24th of 29 countries in problem solving, and half of American students fell below the threshold of problem-solving skills necessary to meet emerging workforce demands.

* The United States ranked 15th of 29 countries in reading literacy in 2003.

Wise's videos can be viewed at www.all4ed.org.

The Alliance contends that federal policy and funding do not effectively support improving achievement in the nation's high schools. The No Child Left Behind Act must be reformed, according to the Alliance, so that: all students are held to high expectations, the system supports an effective, individualized approach to students and to schools, and educators and policymakers are provided with the necessary data and research to make informed decisions to improve policy and practice.

The nonprofit Alliance for Excellent Education was founded in 2001 by philanthropists Gerard and Lilo Leeds, and funding comes from the Leeds family and other individuals, foundations and corporations.

Anita Weier  —  8/07/2008 3:55 pm