International Assessment: What's It All About? (continued)

One of the leading teachers' unions in the U.S., the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), is looking for middle ground. Justin Stone, AFT Associate in Educational Issues, says while the PISA assessments are rigorous, you have to take the results in context.

“Finland scored better, but you have to keep in mind that they have many more teachers applying for one teacher position. In the U.S., we just don't have those same numbers,” Stone says. “This is a good point to look at how we get better teachers into science and math classrooms.”

Stone says in many cultures, teaching is a revered position, and that improving the academic achievement of American students starts with a higher degree of respect for our teachers. Americans also need to commit to better science curriculum in the early grades, and promote science related careers, Stone says.

According to Thibault, parents should see these results as a wake-up call that there are systemic problems with the American education system, not necessarily an indication that they should move their family to Finland.

“We need to put pressure on our own leaders to create standards that are a bench mark against other nations,” he says.

There certainly will be no quick fixes, but supporting our teachers may be the best way to start.