Where our problems lie

Curriculum

Studies show that students in other countries spend more time in school and with homework. Competing countries teach 5-7 major ideas or concepts each year while American schools’ curricula between 35 and 50 (up to 75). U.S. textbooks cover topics earlier and the topics are then repeated year after year with little depth added because time is continuously being spent on review. By the time students in other countries go into sixth and seventh grades, they are beginning to study algebra, geometry, chemistry, and physics while the majority of U.S. middle schoolers are still reviewing arithmetic and elementary science topics.