That the best we've been rated in awhile. A lot of the rating is based on normative testing results. Unfortunately, countries beyond the U.S. cull the students who they allow to take the test. Only their best and brightest are allowed to take the test. However, we in the US allow any and all that can afford the testing fee to take. Therefore, while other countries only report their best, we have a wide range of participant's. The best and the brightest, as well as the average and less adept.

We're still not competitive though. Our students are by and large not prepared and not competitive in many circumstsnces. Not due to teachers not being caplable or trying. Blame lies in parents accepting lower expectations and no parental accountability to support education (those of you who do are an exception).