Learning from World-Class Schools

Educators and governments are paying increasing attention to international comparisons as they seek to develop effective policies to improve the performance of their education systems. Data from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are useful in revealing best practices across the world. Current data show that the United States is falling behind member OECD nations in both secondary and postsecondary graduation rates. The United States also scores average or below average on the PISA assessment in math, science, and reading. To ensure excellence in their schools, high-performing nations focus on four drivers: high universal standards, accountability and autonomy, strong professional development, and personalized learning. Although the United States has much to offer in discussions about educational excellence, it also has much to learn from other countries in which educational excellence is more systemic. (Contains 2 figures and 1 endnote.)