We all know that there are other countries that are beating our pants academically. But why is that so? And what can we do to learn from, mimic, and catch up to them? Journalist Amanda Ripley found an ingenious way to answer those questions and more; the result is her best-selling book, The Smartest Kids in the World.

In this podcast, Mike Petrilli talks with Ripley about her methods, her conclusions, and what the rest of the world can teach America about education reform. Join us for today’s edition of The Education Next Book Club.

Additional installments of the Ed Next Book Club podcast can be heard here.

Click here for a free subscription to the Ed Next Book Club podcasts on iTunes.

The Smartest Kids in the World is reviewed by Nathan Glazer in Ed Next here.

-Education Next