Research suggests that American students lack a sufficient education in math and science to compete globally.

How does the controversy about teaching evolution affect and reflect this problem?

Take a stab at answering and someone is likely to help. Surely having much of the adult population questioning the scientific method does not help their children learn what it is about. The problem is much wider than just evolution ( think - climate change) but surely mistrust of the principles of evolution is representative of a problem.

I suggest you question this research. Are those in some other countries taught to memorize facts more than Americans? Do other countries test a vastly heterogeneous population as the U.S. does?

If others are ahead, why do Americans seem to be leading the world in technological innovations?

Damon is absolutely right. The problem is much larger than evolution. For the last 50 years the government has pumped millions into math and science projects aimed at better teaching of these subjects and my opinion is that much of it (most of it?) has failed. Witness the number of AP chemistry classes in high school but the student hasn't learned the basics such as 4x = 28, what is x? The problem with evolution, specifically, is that many people WANT to make it controversial when there is no need for controversy at all. Religion and evolution do not need to be mutually exclusive.

Hmmm - a great many of my fellow science students who went on to innovate in technical fields immigrated to the US as students or adults. Look around you if you happen by MIT :)

At present I have been helping my grand children with common core math (specifically a Singapore math text). I love it because it thinks the way I do about arithmetic. It approximates and does big numbers first instead of the mechanical way I was taught to do arithmetic in public school (which I never mastered). Curious, I went on and did the proposed high school Algebra II test. Again it is right up my alley. It demands reason, not memorization. HOWEVER, it is not what parents were taught in school (or most teachers for that matter). Therefore it will take years for us to implement such a modern way of doing basic mathematics if it is possible at all. We think we are ahead, but I think we are falling behind.

Thank all you guys so much you gave me enough ideas to research the question!

The controversy about teaching evolution in the context of American education reveals some of the challenges and implications related to the insufficient education in math and science. Here's a closer look at how the controversy intersects with the broader problem:

1. Science literacy: Evolution is a fundamental concept in the field of biology and essential to understanding the natural world. However, the controversy around teaching evolution reflects a lack of scientific literacy among some American students and, by extension, a deficiency in their science education. This suggests that students are not adequately exposed to scientific principles, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning.

2. Curriculum and standards: The controversy around teaching evolution often revolves around the inclusion or exclusion of the theory in science curriculums. This highlights inconsistencies in educational standards across different states in the U.S. When specific scientific concepts like evolution are inadequately taught or controversially omitted from the curriculum, it suggests a lack of consistency and quality in the overall science education.

3. Scientific process and skepticism: The controversy around teaching evolution sometimes stems from conflicts between scientific consensus and personal beliefs or religious views. This highlights a potential disconnect between the scientific process and public understanding. Students may not be sufficiently taught about the nature of scientific inquiry, the value of evidence-based reasoning, or how to critically evaluate information. This lack of understanding can hinder their ability to think scientifically and engage in informed discussions on topics beyond evolution.

4. Global competitiveness: The concern that American students lack a sufficient education in math and science to compete globally connects to the controversy around teaching evolution. In an increasingly interconnected world, STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) play a crucial role in driving innovation and economic advancement. If students are not provided with a strong foundation in these areas, including the understanding of concepts like evolution, it may affect their ability to excel in advanced scientific fields, research, and innovation, potentially impacting America's global competitiveness in these areas.

In summary, the controversy around teaching evolution sheds light on the broader issues related to the insufficient education in math and science. It points to a lack of scientific literacy, inconsistencies in curriculum and standards, limited understanding of the scientific process, and potential implications on America's global competitiveness in STEM fields.