According to results released last month of a widely administered ACT college entrance exam, only 26% of the graduating US high school seniors who took the test this year are adequately prepared for college biology. In other words, about one in four young adults are likely to muster a grade of C or higher in their freshman biology courses. It is further evidence that the United States is failing at a critical task.
No easy explanation or quick remedy exists for this reality. What is certain, though, is that we can and must do better. The United States has outstanding scientists, maintains the biggest investment of any nation to discover new knowledge, and has a vibrant, private research and development sector that is at the forefront of innovation of new medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and improved therapies. The global gains made in average life expectancy over the past century are owed ...
