Are We Further Ahead than Other Countries?

I write today after the question was asked of me this weekend, " Do you think the we [the US] are further ahead or behind Japan?". I was asked specifically about Japan because 6 years ago I spent 3 weeks immersed in educational culture and learning in Japan.

I have to say that I responded that I feel the we are ahead and behind. I feel like we are ahead when striving to meet the needs of each learner, but behind as we set false ideals for what many of our students are able to accomplish academically. I think we sell ourselves short and spread ourselves too thin by trying to meet all needs through school based staff and that we do not have the staff or service centers available nationwide to provide intervention, support and training to make meeting MOST of all learners need even possible.

I will also say that based on my limited experience in schools in Minnesota and North Dakota, that the environments are more welcoming and vibrant than those I have experience in in Japan. I also have experienced much higher levels of knowledge of students (interests, abilities, friends, parents) than in Japan. It could be said that I feel that in ND and MN that there is more being taught than just Math, English, Social Studies and Science. I sense that we chase trends and fads instead of responding to ACTUAL DATA DIRECTED NEEDS of our kids. Aditionally, I feel that we fall behind on showing educational staff at all levels ( paras/ aids through administration) appreciation and financial compensation. For it is without these individuals that we wouldn't have greatness in all other professions.

So, it is this question that I really desire to receive feedback on... "What do ND or US schools do that is "better"/ further ahead of or "worse"/ behind on?

Thank You in advance for sharing!