What's the one thing your parents always tell you? Get an education. We've heard it over and over again. You need a good education to get anywhere in this world. Education is the one thing my parents made sure my brother and I had. They made sure we were at school on time every day and ready to learn. My parents want me to get the best education possible, but going to school in America is far from the best. You would think that America is number one in almost everything; education would be at the top of that list. Well, compared to other countries in the world it really sucks. The Asian education system is among the best in the world. They are leaders in math and science. Do you know why? They care. They want an education. In the year 2000, the United States of America ranked fifteenth in the world for literacy among fifteen-year-olds, behind, among others, France, South Korea and Japan. (Insert source here) This is nowhere near where we need to be. In America we are taught that we can do whatever we want. That may be true, but you still need an education. Some people don't realize this and think they can just mess around in school and get away with it. In most cases this tactic works. Teachers and parents worry less and less about the situation. If a student wants to be successful he can work hard, get good grades and get into a good school. On the other hand, if one student doesn't really care, that's fine anyway because no one else really cares either. People in America just don't care anymore. They act like they do, but most people don't give a damn. Why is the education system in America in such poor shape? Everyone always points fingers so now it's my turn. First of all, the teachers. Teachers now just pass the kids along just to get rid of them even if they don't know the subject. Teachers are not regulated as they should be. Nobody checks if they are teaching well. They assume that everything is fine and if a student doesn't achieve something it must be their fault and not the teachers'. They use textbooks more than their brains. I think not only should students take tests, but teachers should also take some sort of proficiency tests in their teaching area. This way we know if they are qualified to teach... middle of paper... the American education system. Maybe that's why we suck so much. How can we improve the American education system? Good for one; parents just need to be more involved. Ask their children questions. Find out what they are doing in their homework. Listen to problems and try to help solve them. Children just need to concentrate. Instead of finding out where the alcohol will be on Friday night, they should create study groups to figure out how to solve mathematical equations and physical formulas. Some people just need to get over the fact that they can do well in school and still be cool. Teachers need to start teaching. Don't just try to get a paycheck. I know that's why they're there, but at least they teach something. All we have to do is try a little harder. Just put in a little more effort and we can be the best. It may take a while for us to reach the top, but when we do it will be very rewarding. The American education system is in terrible shape right now, and it will continue to get worse if we don't do something about it. It. With a little time and patience anything can work.