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How Much Math Do We Really Need?
Pickens writes "G.V. Ramanathan, a professor emeritus of mathematics, statistics and computer science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, writes in the Washington Post that although a lot of effort and money has been spent to make mathematics seem essential, unlike literature, history, politics and music, math has little relevance to everybody's daily life. 'All the mathematics one needs in real life can be learned in early years without much fuss,' writes Ramanathan. 'Most adults have no contact with math at work, nor do they curl up with an algebra book for relaxation.' Ramanathan says that the marketing of math has become similar to the marketing of creams to whiten teeth, gels to grow hair and regimens to build a beautiful body, but even with generous government grants over the past 25 years, countless courses, conferences, and books written on how to teach teachers to teach, where is the evidence that these efforts have helped students? A 2008 review by the Education Department found that the nation is at 'greater risk now' than it was in 1983, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress math scores for 17-year-olds have remained stagnant since the 1980s (PDF). Meanwhile those who do love math and science have been doing very well and our graduate schools are the best in the world. 'As for the rest, there is no obligation to love math any more than grammar, composition, curfew or washing up after dinner. Why create a need to make it palatable to all and spend taxpayers' money on pointless endeavors without demonstrable results or accountability?'"
Eh, but you also have to remember that getting into high schools in China is not guaranteed and students have to test for placement so the population of high school students is going to be self limiting. If only your most promising students are in high school then it is going to be easier for you to show strong scores at a global level. The same argument cant be made for Japan where high school is not compulsorily and students have to test to get into the high school of their choice.
However, that comment suggests that it may be you who is confused about the origin of the term 'Separation of Church and State,' as it appears in no law or other official document related to the US Constitution or the founding of the United States of America.
Your comment suggests your reading comprehension skills are ... suboptimal. I said the CONCEPT of Separation of Church and State. The concept flows from the part of the First Amendment which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" and is the result of a Supreme Court decision from a long time ago. You just made the exact same mistake that TEA Party super-star/wacko Christine O'Donnell made during a debate recently. Congratulations on feeling superior through your ignorance. You now qualify as a TEA Party candidate! It really IS just that easy.