President Trump’s repeated claims about the U.S. education system ranking last among 40 countries are inaccurate. International assessments paint a more nuanced picture of American students’ performance. This article delves into the actual rankings and spending on education in the U.S. compared to other developed nations.
While advocating for the dismantling of the federal Department of Education, President Trump often cited the U.S. being “last in the world in education” and spending the most per pupil. However, data from reputable international organizations like the OECD contradicts these assertions.
Debunking the Myths: Analyzing International Performance
The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), a triennial study by the OECD, assesses 15-year-old students’ capabilities in reading, mathematics, and science across 37 member countries. The 2022 results reveal that the U.S. outperformed the OECD average in reading and science, ranking 6th and 12th respectively. While math scores were slightly below average, the U.S. still ranked 28th, far from last.
PISA 2022 Results
Furthermore, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), evaluating fourth and eighth graders, showed U.S. students consistently scoring above the international average in both subjects. In the 2023 assessment, fourth graders ranked 28th in math and 15th in science among 63 participating countries. Eighth graders performed similarly, ranking 24th in math and 16th in science out of 45 countries.
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), focusing on fourth-grade reading literacy, placed the U.S. 6th out of 33 countries in 2021.
These findings consistently demonstrate that U.S. students are not lagging behind their international peers to the extent claimed by President Trump. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in mathematics, the U.S. education system is not at the bottom of international rankings.
Examining Education Spending: A Complex Comparison
The assertion that the U.S. spends the most per pupil also requires clarification. While the U.S. does lead in tertiary education expenditure (post-high school), spending on primary and secondary education is surpassed by several other countries. OECD data from 2021 shows countries like Luxembourg, Norway, and Austria outspending the U.S. at the primary school level. Similarly, at the secondary level, nations like Norway, Austria, and South Korea invest more per student.
Direct spending comparisons can be misleading due to variations in what is included in education budgets across countries. Factors like healthcare costs for students and staff, transportation, and social programs can significantly influence overall spending figures.
Conclusion: A More Balanced Perspective
While the U.S. education system faces challenges, it’s crucial to rely on accurate data when assessing its performance. International assessments demonstrate that American students are not universally underperforming. Furthermore, while the U.S. invests heavily in higher education, spending on K-12 education is comparable to, and in some cases lower than, other developed nations. A comprehensive understanding of these complexities is essential for informed discussions about education reform and policy.
