Submitted by Nancy Joyce Jancourtz, Feb 11, 2008 14:10

Dear Ms. Garland, et al.:

These data should be considered carefully, including all possibilities. If I may, however, add my own conclusion--or at least one of any number of possibilities: perhaps the young people who excel have received a far better elementary school education in their native countries...

Our "progressive" education tactics have been progressively disintegrating for several decades, along with other cultural phenomena, which tend to cheapen life, generally. Those attendant environmental factors, such as literature, cinema, music and interactive games--as well as television addiction--prevalent in our hyperactive society( where there is no poverty evidenced in children's ability to have access to all of the above--along with illegal substances), I believe: tend to deteriorate the brain function. Thus the youngsters increase in instability--and by the time they reach high school age, have lost much potential. Those born in other lands and cultures--who tend to appreciate ours all the more--excel. They work at it, and their parents most likely use their positive influence, as well.

Cordially,

Nancy Joyce Jancourtz.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.