yet somehow it produces some of the best
scientists in the world when sputnik goes up.
When it gets funded.
not to mention computers, the best medicine...

But that will come grinding to a halt.

Not saying the system is perfect.
But if you sat in the room I teach in
and listened to the kids I have you would
realize this country does not lack brain power.

They are so far ahead of you and I in High School...
Its not even close.

And it could be much better.
In this state the Public educational system is way
ahead of private schools. Now in Washington DC,
urban Chicago, Dallas... you are correct.

A smaller brush to paint your picture would be useful.
Actually it is painfully clear that public suburban schools in
well to-do areas match up with any system in the world,
even those where students are tracked.
Urban areas in decaying cities do extraordinarily poorly.
What a surprise. The public schools mimic their surroundings.