There were a number of analyses of this testing in the individual areas of mathematics and the results were similar. It was suggested that while the United States looked as though it ranked poorly, perhaps there was not really a significant difference in the scores. Among these were the following. We educate all students, other countries educate only an elite. Our teachers are not required to study enough mathematics.
Classes are too large.
The school year is too short. Upon comparison with the Japanese school system in regard to the above, the following facts were noted. Secondary teachers in the U.S. have about twice as many university courses in mathematics as their Japanese colleagues, whereas Japanese teachers have twice as many courses in pedagogy or teaching methods. In the 8th grade, the average class size in the U.S. is 26, in Japan it is 40. In the 12th grade the average class size in the U.S. is 20 and in Japan is 43.