The last few years have revealed a growing concern about U.S. global competitiveness, and American schools have been called to account for failing to produce enough engineers and math and science workers to compete in the new global economy. The author argues that the education solutions offered to tackle this problem are too simplistic. Instead…

Examining recent claims that American schools inadequately prepare students in science and mathematics, the author argues that such claims are exaggerated and misleading and may lead to undesirable tradeoffs in the areas of curriculum, school finance, and social opportunity. (JBM)