Analysis of a Scholarly Source

The United States education system was ranked 1st in the world among other developed countries as little as 20 years ago. But as of last year, the United States is ranked 17th in the world in education. How can we explain this sudden drop?

In order to find a credible explanation for this problem we must locate a scholarly article that has been published on the topic. On my search for good sources, I came across "No Country Left Behind" by Rodger W. Bybee and Elizabeth Stage. I found this article on Academic Search Complete, a database full of scholarly articles. After checking to ensure that the article had an abstract and had been published in a legitimate publication or journal, I could be certain that it was a scholarly article.

This article gives insight as to how the under-emphasis in math and science in the U.S. accounts for part of the educational decline we have experienced over the past 20 years. They analyze different math-based assessments given to K-12 students in the United States, and show evidence of U.S. students' lack of mathematical understanding in school. The article concludes by stating that the results of these assessments should provide the motivation to change the educational curricula around the nation. In summary, the article provides well-researched and insightful points and provides evidence to support its claims regarding the K-12 education in the United States.

Source:

Bybee, Rodger W., and Elizabeth Stage. “No Country Left Behind.” Issues in Science

            and Technology. 21.2 (2005): 69-75. Web. Winter 2005.