Having done a bit of doctoral research about student achievement, Asian students generally fare better if they are 1st generation American. Second generation and beyond American citizen and they do not fare nearly as well. Actually, their scores are not much better than American kids.

Much to be said about the American culture and attitudes towards education, particularly secondary education. There are a number of issues that are in play here but American education is not a as pitiful as everyone likes to paint it. There are also a number of areas in which American education could improve.