Years ago when I did a morning show on our CBS Radio (Orlando) sister station 102Jamz, I would do the “High School Senior Aptitude Test” in order to demonstrate how much basic knowledge our high school senior and college freshman lacked.  It was a series of questions some basic pop culture, targeted at our youth, others basic aptitude for a high school senior.  In the video you’ll see here from the HuffingtonPost, you’ll find the same results I ALWAYS got.  It’s not only disappointing…it’s sad.

In the video, you’ll see a bright young student-reporter (Austin) quiz high school students on basic knowledge that a graduating senior should know.  For that matter, most (intelligent) middle school students would know.

The education system in this country has changed and is lagging.  According to the Huffington Post, America ranks “average” versus the world in education.

The “Programme for International Student Assessment” (PISA), a report which compares knowledge and skills of 15-year olds worldwide, ranked the U.S. 14th out of 34 countries for reading skills, 17th for science and a below-average 25th for math, some studies show us as low as 32nd in math.

Meanwhile, in Seminole county two schools appear to be closing next year which will require rezoning the 15 remaining schools to take in the “orphaned” students.  Simultaneously, there is a bicycle bridge being built over Mitchell Hammock Road between Aloma and the 417.  What’s wrong with this picture?!

Speaking of pictures, a study by the  National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed that only 9% of fourth graders could identify a photograph of Abraham Lincoln.

Now, just for giggles, take the “Paco Aptitude Test” (PAT) is used to use when testing high school seniors and see how YOU do…no cheating!  The answers are on the next page.

Q1 – Name the three branches of government.

Q2- How many stars are on the current American flag?

Q3- What do the stars represent?

Q4- How many stripes are on the current American flag?

Q5- What do they represent?

Q6- Who is the current Vice President of the United States?

Q7- What countries border the U.S. both north and south?

Q8- If the President and Vice President were to die, who would become the next President?

Q9- True or False.  In order to run for the office of the President, you must be American born and at least 35 years old.

Q10- Who was elected the 44th President of the United States?

Get the answers and see the video on the next page…