However, a comparison of the tests shows the new U.S. test was much more demanding. We should be pleased that our students measured up well on an international test, but as we look to the future, our students need to read better. I am also pleased the new NAEP test assesses more rigorous reading skills, so we have higher standards to aim for. According to the international study, only students in Finland scored better in reading than American students. Researchers noted that children of parents with less than a high school education are at a distinct disadvantage in the classroom.
Some parents can best help their children by helping themselves.
Not only can parents teach their children, they can also learn together through Family Literacy, Even Start and other similar programs. The new NCES report, which has generally good news about how American children do in comparison with their international peers, supports past findings about the crucial link between parents' education and their children's achievement. We were struck with the overwhelming number of people who said they were motivated to learn by the impact it had on their children's school performance and general well-being. These are adults with a real-life understanding of the difference education makes in their lives and the lives of their families. Well, adult learners told us that the more they learn themselves, the more involved they can get with their children's education.