OECD has published popular findings in its world rankings of
education. The study assessed math, reading and science skills across the
globe. Approximately 450,000 15-year olds in 65 countries participated within
the study. The report is considered
relevant and offers opportunities for policy makers and school administrators
to adjust their actions to improve upon educational quality.
According to the Market Oracle the U.S. has around 3.8
million job vacancies and 11.8 million people looking for work. A study by the
ManPower Group indicates that 48% of employers are struggling to fill jobs
because of lack of skills. Where there is a mismatch between skills and
available jobs new training and education are necessary to improve the
situation.
When looking at the report you will find that 4 of the top 5
countries are Asian while only 1 is from Europe. When you look at the top 10
you will find European countries predominate between the 5th-10th
ranking. You might also be shocked that
the U.S. is about 17th on its total ranking.
It should be no wonder that emerging Asian countries have
matched their education to their actual job skills the market needs. They focus
more on the elemental aspects of reading, writing, and science in earlier
education and then become increasingly complex in later classes. Likewise, soft
skills such as teamwork and communication are not ignored.
Education starts in the home and then moves into public
school and finally through college. Some lucky students make their way into
graduate and doctoral programs. Some might wonder if there is a need for
families to develop the right skills in young students and encourage additional
structure in their lives. Without a proper perspective students often move
through and finish high school further behind the global and local market
needs.
