Global Competition: Impacting the U.S. in Multiple Aspects

Global competition impacts the U.S. education system as well as politically and economically. Global competition consists of countries fighting to surpass each other in all aspects. In the late 60s it was imperative to beat the Russians from landing on the moon first. Global competition fosters antagonism for resources, scientific advancements, and student competence. Elite countries stride to overcome the U.S. and crown their country as number one.
Eighty-seven percent of U.S. citizens ages twenty-five to thirty-four earned a high school degree in 2004. Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development recently released over half of the countries’ population of twenty-five to thirty-four individuals report earning a high school diploma. Furthermore, Canada, Japan, Korea, and a few other elite countries exceed this percentage to ninety percent. The U.S. dropped in rank to 16th in high school graduation and 9th in higher education enrollments. The U.S. higher education enrollment increase to twenty-one percent from 1995 to 2003. However, this increase is insignificant to countries such as, Australia, the Czech Republic, Greece, and several others. These countries postsecondary education enrollment increased from thirty-three percent to one hundred and sixty-nine percent from 1995 to 2003.
The higher education system invites international students to attend U.S. universities and colleges. However, once international students achieve their degree they fly home to their native country a hero. These former students then become the U.S. competition. Back in their native homes advancements develop in companies from technology to engineering.
Drawing awareness to global competition sheds light on closing the achievement gap. The urgency of not only maintaining, but improving the education system contributes to raising the issue of the achievement gap. In response to global competition affecting the education system the U.S. stress improvement on standardize test.
John V. Farr and Donna M. Brazil suggest emphasizing leadership skills. Farr and Brazil, mainly focused on the development for future engineers, provide insight into how educators can inspire students to learn on a different level. Instilling leadership skills presents students with a chance to act proactively in their education, instead of taking the back sit and allowing teachers to man the forefront.
Survival of the fittest is a humanistic reaction. Global competition is an issue that will always raise important conversations. For years to come, the U.S. and other countries will fight to be the best. However, education will be the key piece to staying one step ahead of the competition.