mulerider wrote:
roro wrote:
ETA: what data is there to back up that American students are "way ahead" in feeling good about themselves?  Is there a global confidence index or something?

There was a recent study in which students from several countries were asked about their math abilities and then given a math test. US students ranked near (or at) the top on the ranking of self-perceived excellence in math. They ranked near the bottom on actual math test scores.  I believe there have been some similar studies published, as well. I don't have time to track down the references right now (staff meeting sucked up a big chunk of my daily allotted goofing off time for today), but they are probably not hard to find.

This does not surprise me in any way.  You would be hard pressed to find a teacher in a California public elementary school that has any ability to do math, much less teach it.  I've had three kids be taught how not to do math by the CA public schools.  I retaught them math myself. 

I have always known about man. From the evidence, I believe his wisdom must walk hand and hand with his idiocy. His emotions must rule his brain. He must be a warlike creature who gives battle to everything around him, even himself.