School systems in America.

[Cavernio]

Ever talked to people in other countries to see what their education's like?
I've never lived in these places, but I've heard stories of 6 year old japanese kids needing to schedule time to play with their friends, or else they won't have time.
My friend in India, when she was 3 or 4, some ridiculously young age, remembers being tested to see if she was smart enough for to be put into a prestigious school.
A student who I knew who went on exchange in highschool to France who didn't like it at all, because all school was for her was classes and studying. There were no extra-curricular activities.

I'm upset also that the school system doesn't seem to do as good a job as it should be doing in North America (I'm canadian), for both the slower and faster learners. But, I'm also very grateful that I wasn't brought up in a rigid, grades-are-everything society. I'm also glad my parents raised me so that I didn't have to be the best, so that I'd be able to get the 'best' career, or one of the top few ones.

Why do you think teachers have lowered standards? Laziness on the part of the teacher? Because parents get pissed at schools when their kids do poorly? Or is it by-product of North American culture?

I've been told, a few years back now I realize, that people with a North American education are thought of very highly by employers across the globe in terms of being able to adapt and work with people.
(and of course, we don't treat other country's education systems with respect. You're an MD? Oh, you got your degree in India? I'm sorry, we don't take degrees from your country; here, you can be the janitor!.)