The most constant challenge to our nation's global competitiveness is ensuring that all students are adequately prepared for, have access to, and can persist through college. American students continue to lag behind their international peers, the achievement gap remains wide, and the preschool through graduate degree (P-20) education pipeline continues to leak students at every transition point.
The information and tech-savvy "innovation workforce" of the 21st century requires a highly educated, creative, and informed citizenry. However, too many students lack even the basic skills needed to progress in education, much less the advanced skills necessary to thrive professionally. Remediation and lost productivity cost taxpayers billions of dollars every year. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that business and education together capitalize on their strengths to address our nation's most pressing education challenges.
The following organizations provide information on some of the most urgent education challenges facing our nation:
OECD
According to recent OECD data, by 12th grade, U.S. high school students' test scores, particularly in math and science, lag behind those of most industrialized nations.
EdTrust
Among developed nations, the U.S. has one of the highest gaps between the test scores of rich and poor students. Additionally, achievement gaps persist along socio-economic and regional lines. Without educational parity, the nation will continue to confront the persistent challenges facing our global competitiveness. EdTrust focuses on these achievement gaps.
Achieve
Recent Achieve studies found that only 18 states have aligned their high school graduation requirements with college and workplace expectations, and only nine have developed assessments to determine whether or not students have mastered college- and career-ready knowledge and skills.
See the Research & Resources section of this site for more information about education challenges and solutions.
