As a former teacher I found this book very interesting. The idea that teachers are highly regarded in these countries was something I don't see in the U.S. Rigor is important, but how happy are the children in these countries? There is also a lot of pressure to succeed. Great book for discussion of our educational system.

Creative in its approach to addressing the conundrum of US education, Amanda Ripley offers a clear view of what happens when education is placed at the center of the resources of a culture.