In last night's final presidential debate, John McCain said: (app. 83 minute mark) "...the most expensive education in the world is in the United States of America also means that it cries out for reform, as well."
In a review of education expenditures, as a percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we see that the U.S. is not leading the pack. Denmark provides a far superior system, as students and educators attest, and the price tag shows why.
Australia 4.5
Germany 4.6
Canada 5.2
United States 5.3
United Kingdom 5.6
France 5.7
Switzerland 5.8
Belgium 6.0
Israel 6.9
Sweden 7.1
Norway 7.2
Denmark 8.3
*source: CIA - The World Factbook
John McCain (app. 78 minute mark) "We need to encourage programs such as Teach for America and Troops to Teachers where people, after having served in the military, can go right to teaching and not have to take these examinations which -- or have the certification that some are required in some states."
While we all appreciate the service of our military personnel, it's shocking that John McCain believes that an individual who's searching for weapons of mass destruction in Baghdad can come home and transition into a high school teacher of calculus without taking any courses, passing an examination or completing a certification process. Will this be the new program, "No Teacher Left Behind"?
John McCain really doesn't understand the challenges faced in our education system!