The Crisis in American Education
The future of U.S. global power is in jeopardy due to a
crisis in American education. K–12 students are scoring lower on proficiency
tests than they have in decades, falling behind their international peers. U.S.
universities also face challenges, including increased global competition for
talent and chronic underfunding of basic research that drives long-term
innovation.
In 2023, math and reading scores among American 13-year-olds
hit their lowest levels in decades, with half of the students failing to meet
state proficiency standards. ACT scores have declined for six consecutive
years, and 70 percent of high school seniors did not meet college readiness
benchmarks in math, with 43 percent failing in all subjects. These troubling
trends began even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Falling Behind Globally
While U.S. students struggle, their peers in other countries
are advancing. According to the 2022 Program for International Student
Assessment (PISA), the U.S. ranked 34th in average math proficiency, lagging
behind countries like Slovenia and Vietnam. Although U.S. rankings in reading
and science were slightly better, they only barely made it into the top ten and
top 20, respectively. The global rise in educational attainment contrasts
sharply with the U.S.’s declining performance, as many American students cannot
perform basic tasks in math, and only a small percentage excel at the highest
levels.
The Global Rise in Education and Its Impact
As global education levels rise, U.S. universities and
companies increasingly rely on foreign talent to maintain their competitive
edge. In 1980, 78 percent of doctorates in computer science and electrical
engineering awarded by U.S. universities went to American citizens or permanent
residents. By 2022, that figure had dropped to 32 percent. Today, about one
million international students study in the U.S. each year, with a significant
portion coming from China.
Immigration Challenges and Talent Retention
The U.S. has historically benefited from attracting global
talent, with nearly 45 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 2020 founded by
first- or second-generation immigrants. However, outdated immigration policies
are forcing many highly educated foreign students to leave after graduation,
taking their knowledge and skills with them. This reliance on foreign talent is
also at risk due to global shifts, with increasing numbers of students opting
to study in Asia or Europe rather than the U.S. If countries like China were to
restrict the flow of students to the U.S., it could severely impact American
university labs and companies.
The Decline of U.S. Research Dominance
The U.S. innovation advantage is eroding, particularly in
research. A decade ago, the U.S. led the world in producing highly cited
scientific papers, but China has since taken the lead. In 2022, China surpassed
the U.S. in contributions to the Nature Index, which tracks top science
journals. Funding trends exacerbate this decline, with federal research funding
as a share of GDP dropping from 1.9 percent in 1964 to just 0.7 percent in
2020. Basic research has suffered as government priorities shift, and China’s
investment in research has increased significantly, potentially surpassing the
U.S. within a decade.
The Private Sector's Impact on Innovation
The private sector’s focus on short-term innovation is
driving economic growth but draining future sources of innovation, particularly
in AI. A significant shift of talent from academia to industry is diverting
attention from the basic research necessary for long-term progress. At top
institutions, many senior AI faculty members have left academia, and doctoral
students are restricted in discussing research due to industry contracts. In
2023, over 70 percent of new AI Ph.D. graduates in the U.S. went directly into
industry, often the most talented individuals, indicating a growing crisis in
academic research.
A Foreseeable Crisis
The warning signs of this brain drain are clear today.
Without immediate action to address these educational and research challenges,
the U.S. risks losing its position as a global leader in innovation and
education. The consequences will be profound and long-lasting, threatening the
nation’s economic and technological future
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