Commentary: The U.S. education system could learn a few lessons from Taiwan

Photo of buildings in Taipei, Taiwan (Photo by Pexels contributor Timo Volz)

Walking into my first classroom in Taiwan was like stepping into another world of education. The desks were arranged with precision, the students were armed with textbooks and an air of focus, and the expectations were clear: excellence was not optional, it was the norm. As an educator with experience across various countries, I was immediately struck by the intensity and structure of Taiwan’s education system. This was no ordinary classroom; it was a place where high standards were more than just an abstract goal. They were a way of life.

My time at Kang Chiao International School gave me a front row seat to observe how Taiwan’s education system operates in the private sector and how it produces results that many countries, including the United States, could learn from.

Taiwan’s education system sets a high bar for its students. The curriculum is rigorous, often emphasizing foundational skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and languages regardless of whether it is private or public. This rigorous academic framework challenges students to think critically and solve complex problems from a young age. For example, even middle school students are expected to engage with advanced mathematics and demonstrate a proficiency in English that often surpasses what I’ve seen in comparable grade levels in the United States. More importantly, these high standards are paired with clear expectations for behavior and performance.

At Kang Chiao, I witnessed a strong emphasis on discipline and time management. Students were expected to meet deadlines, participate actively, and take responsibility for their learning. This culture of accountability created an environment where high performance was not only possible but expected.

One of the most striking aspects of Taiwanese education is how these high standards are put into practice. There is a multi-layered approach involving teachers, parents, and the broader community. Teachers undergo extensive training to ensure they are well equipped to deliver the demanding curriculum. Professional development is not an afterthought but an integral part of the education system. Educators are encouraged to continually refine their skills and adopt innovative teaching methods.

Parental involvement is another key factor. In Taiwan, parents often take an active role in their children’s education, regularly communicating with teachers and ensuring that homework and study habits are maintained at home. This partnership between schools and families reinforces the importance of education and keeps students focused on their goals.

Assessment also plays a significant role. Regular testing helps track progress and identify areas where students may need additional support. While standardized exams can be a point of contention, in Taiwan they are used effectively to maintain a consistent standard across schools and ensure that no student falls through the cracks.

The outcomes of Taiwan’s education system are impressive. Taiwan ranks 3rd globally in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 assessment, achieving an average score of 533 in mathematics, science, and reading—well ahead of the U.S., which ranks 18th with a score of 489. Beyond the test scores, Taiwanese students often exhibit a strong work ethic and a deep respect for education. This is a testament to the culture of high standards and the systems in place to support them.

While my students at Kang Chiao were part of an international school, many of these principles were evident. I saw how their focus, discipline, and motivation allowed them to tackle challenging projects and engage in meaningful discussions. These qualities are nurtured by the educational framework, which emphasizes both academic excellence and personal growth.

The U.S. education system has long been a subject of debate, with concerns about declining test scores, uneven quality across districts, and a lack of accountability. While it’s true that cultural differences make a direct replication of Taiwan’s system impractical, several lessons could be adapted to the American context.

Investing in professional development for teachers is crucial. Just as Taiwanese educators are encouraged to refine their skills and adopt best practices, U.S. teachers could benefit from more robust training programs that emphasize subject mastery and innovative teaching methods. Accountability should not only apply to students but also educators and administrators. Setting clear goals and regularly assessing progress can help maintain high standards while identifying areas for improvement.

Building stronger partnerships between schools and families could help reinforce the value of education. Schools can provide parents with resources and strategies to support their children’s learning at home. A consistent curriculum with clear benchmarks can help ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to a high-quality education. While flexibility is important, maintaining a baseline of rigor is essential.

Beyond academics, Taiwan’s system emphasizes discipline and perseverance. Incorporating these values into the U.S. education system could help students develop resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

One issue in the U.S. education system is the stark disparity in resources between schools in different districts. Wealthier areas often enjoy better facilities, smaller class sizes, and more experienced teachers, while schools in lower income areas struggle with overcrowding, outdated materials, and high teacher turnover. Taiwan’s centralized education system helps to mitigate these disparities. By ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources and maintaining consistent standards across schools, the U.S. could address some of the inequities that currently hinder student success.

Moreover, the U.S. could learn from Taiwan’s emphasis on bilingual education. As the Ministry of Education in Taiwan pushes to make the country bilingual by 2030, it underscores the importance of equipping students with skills that enhance their global competitiveness. U.S. schools could benefit from a similar emphasis on language learning, not only to improve communication skills/ literacy but also to foster cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

Lastly, the sense of respect for teachers in Taiwan is something the U.S. could strive to emulate. In Taiwan, educators are viewed as pillars of society, and this respect translates into better support, higher morale, and a more motivated workforce thereby contributing to the overall learning experience of students. Elevating the teaching profession in the U.S. could attract more talent and retain dedicated educators who are essential to student success.

As a former educator, I have seen firsthand how high standards can lead to remarkable outcomes when supported by effective systems and a culture of accountability. The United States doesn’t need to mirror Taiwan’s education system exactly, but there is much to learn from their approach. By raising expectations, investing in teachers, and fostering a culture of collaboration between schools and families, we can create an education system that better prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.

My experience in Taiwan has taught me that excellence in education is not an unattainable ideal but a goal that requires dedication, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from others. It’s time for the U.S. to look abroad for inspiration and recommit to providing every student with the tools they need to succeed.

Jordan Adams is an associate with Tennesseans for Student Success who's taught English to students in China and History /Political Science to students in Taiwan. The Tennessee Firefly is a product of and supported by Tennesseans for Student Success.