Cuban students excel in Latin America.

The article reports on research regarding the success of Cuba's elementary schools in comparison to those of other Latin American nations. It notes research by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that shows Cuban students performing better even than students in wealthier nations. The author then cites his own research, which compared Cuba's schools to those of Brazil and Chile. He found that the Cuban government requires a full school day, has a strictly controlled school system, and holds teacher education to high standards. In addition, Cuban society is said to focus heavily on the health and well-being of even low income students, though at the expense of some civil liberties for adult citizens.