Positive PISA Test Results Should Provide Clues for Better Education
Daniel Buck's detailed analysis of the 2022 PISA results highlights several critical issues in American education. The decline in U.S. math scores is particularly alarming, representing a continuation of a long-term downward trend and not just a result of the pandemic. This persistent decline in math contrasts with reading scores, which have primarily stagnated, raising questions about the effectiveness of current educational approaches and policies. Buck points out that the U.S. education system seems to be failing its advanced students.
Behavioral issues in schools emerge as another primary concern, with many students feeling unsafe in their learning environment. This issue is exacerbated by the trend towards more lenient disciplinary approaches in American schools, which could undermine the learning environment's effectiveness. The impact of phones and digital devices in classrooms is also a significant concern. The distraction caused by these devices is shown to have a negative effect on student learning, leading to calls for stricter phone policies in schools.
Buck concludes by emphasizing the need for actionable policies to address these challenges. While the problems are daunting, he believes that improvements can be made through targeted reforms at the state and district levels. However, he expresses skepticism about the current trajectory of educational policy in the U.S., highlighting the need for a more focused and practical approach to address the issues identified in the PISA results.