Morris 1

7080 Lauren Lane Apt #104

Easton, MD 21601

March 27, 2023

Amanda Ripley c/o Bright Sight Group

139 Wall Street

Princeton, NJ 08540

Greetings Miss Amanda Ripley,

My name is Ellie Morris, and I am a Chesapeake College student pursuing a degree in

Elementary Education. I want to begin this letter to you by expressing my gratitude for throwing

so much light on the common misconceptions about high-quality education. This book had a

positive effect on me; it gives me optimism that every country could benefit from a more

powerful and innovative educational system—one that can help kids succeed and uphold both

equity and rigor. You make it very evident that a change is required, but for this to take place,

educators must carefully consider these problems and begin to develop solutions.

Your book's notion that "kids are the same in all countries" and the only variation is how

they have been raised strikes a chord with readers (153). In other words, it doesn't matter how

much money is spent on education; what matters is that parents pay attention to their kids'

development and provide a good example for them. Examples of this opinion on the matter

include Korean students who spend a lot of time in school (Ripley 88) or Tom's parents who

read a lot (106). In this way, it is made apparent that behaviors speak louder than words and

that stimulating a child to study is not solely dependent on financial rewards.

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The relationship between students and professors as well as among peers is a further

topic covered in the book and one that seems to be crucial. One of the three exchange students

who serve as the author's "informant" remembers receiving her first C while explaining why she

was unable to ask for help since "her teacher hot upset when pupils didn't comprehend" (Ripley

88). Later, the same individual explains why she prefers a virtual education. Kim claims that

even though she "was isolated" in her American school, people frequently ask her whether she

fears being alone (Ripley 255). I identify with these situations because I believe it's critical to

modify these tendencies. Kids ought to be encouraged to go to school and learn instead of

being discouraged by their teachers and classmates.

My opinions of the US and international education were broadened and, in some cases,

changed after reading the book. The response to the PISA findings made it clear that many

countries do not consider the US educational system to be effective. One example is the

statement that the Germans performed "even worse than the Americans" (34). The word

“even” emphasizes the level of disappointment: it is obvious that Americans are regarded as so

poor in achievements that being worse than them is something humiliating.

Fond regards,

Ellie Morris

elliemorris@skipjack.chesapeake.edu