Mail Call: Competing Schools

Readers of our Aug. 20/Aug. 27 coverage on global education offered their own views. One wrote, "America's not keeping pace." But another said, "The [high] cost of Harvard is money well spent."

Education Around the World

Your cover package on global education (Aug. 20/Aug. 27) pointed out critical issues in America's school system. Maintaining U.S. scientific and technological leadership is essential to the future of our country and work force; however, the United States is not keeping pace with foreign competition. Fewer American students are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and they are performing at levels far below students in competitor nations on international standardized tests in these subjects. Meanwhile, international students educated in America are facing misguided immigration policies that hamper their ability to apply their skills and knowledge in the United States. That is why businesses and technology associations are working to double the number of science, technology, engineering and math graduates with bachelor's degrees by 2015. Investing in basic research and increasing funding for math and science education can help reverse current trends.
John J. Castellani
President, Business Roundtable
Washington, D.C.

I always thought the "Mandarin will replace English tomorrow" theory was farfetched ("English for Everyone"). I cannot imagine a world so dominated by the Latin alphabet to readily switch from familiar English letters to difficult Chinese characters. Over the past century, the United States has given English prominence, and during these past few decades Europe has consolidated it. As a Latin American I can say that English is considered no less important here than it is in Europe. It is not surprising that many parents here value their children's grades in English as much as their grades in math or Spanish. Even if Mandarin does replace English in 50 years, there are certain fields—such as science, tourism, entertainment and diplomacy—that English has dominated for so long, it is impossible to imagine them in any other language. I reassure my mother that English won't fade away. After all, arguably it is the closest the world has come to a genuine universal language.
Andres Prieto
Mexico City, Mexico

I was amused that William Underhill thought to compare the cost of an engineering degree from Harvard to one from the University of Malaya ("It's Not Easy Being English"). Has he actually tried hiring—or interviewing—graduates from the University of Malaya? In most cases, the additional $28,000 per year (the cost of Harvard over the University of Malaya) is money well spent.
Chen Seong Joon
Geneva, Switzerland

Renewing the Cold War?