Are We Fixing the Wrong Things?

As someone who views the U.S. education system as lacking and somewhat disabling at times, this essay was a refreshing look on the situation. Many things in this world require a “happy-medium” answer—where there may be no “black and white” answer. Why should education differ?
Not saying necessarily that other countries are brain-washed, but the U.S. strives to bring out personality, uniqueness, and individual thought, because then when many individuals are put together, we can find solutions and ideas unlike those of a nation that is standardized. Our creativity is our “secret weapon”. If other major countries, such as China, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan are starting to model their education after ours, we must be doing something right.
Math, science, and especially awareness on global issues are all lacking in our education in the states. The author also spoke of learning different languages. The U.S. has definitely fallen behind in realizing the benefits of multi-lingual students. When I visited Norway I was amazed at the fact that everyone spoke English—all very proper English. After asking I learned that English was taught in public schools beginning in fourth grade. We require a mere two years that most only take in order to graduate. So yes, there are areas we need improvement, but why throw out the good with the bad? Why do we feel like when we have a problem we must do the exact opposite to be right? Everything in moderation people.