One in seven adults in America will not be able to read this article (Toppo). This is a truth that bothers me, because if they can't read this document, what can they read? Many factors led to the failure of the American education system. Some of the key factors that have led to this ongoing problem relate to the financial difficulties we face. Teacher and school budgets are being cut, which is hitting education hard. Schools turn to standardized tests to determine whether a student has learned what they should have learned in the curriculum. These testing methods, imposed on students and teachers, affect a classroom by requiring teachers to rely more on teaching testing methods and what can be on the test. It can also prevent students from learning the curriculum and focusing on passing those standardized tests. Additionally, with time, it appears that the education system should improve, which should lead to an improvement in our literacy rate. Even if the situation does not improve, we are stuck while other countries reduce their illiteracy rates. All these reasons have proven that the American education system is failing and bankrupt. With the current economic crisis, teacher budgets are being reduced. This has many implications that the government must understand. Budget cuts not only affect teachers but also students by providing them with fewer school materials such as textbooks and learning tools that keep students interested by doing fun activities. Without being able to update textbooks due to lack of funding, students will have to learn outdated information and incorrect information. There will also be fewer purchases of technology ...... middle of paper ...... e and taxpayer money. 2011. Athavale, Grishma. “American education lags behind that of other countries”. Saratoga Falcon, October 29, 2009. Web, April 27, 2011. Bushweller, Kevin “Teaching to the Test.” School Board Journal, 1997. 1. The American School Board Journal. Web, April 15, 2011. Kelly, Melissa. “Teachers and Budget Cuts – About.com blog post. New York Times, nd Web. April 15, 2011. Toppo, Greg. “Literacy Study: 1 in 7 American Adults Unable to Read This Story – USATODAY.com USA Today, January 8, 2009.” April 15, 2011Young, Katie. “Disadvantages of standardized testing.” Michigan State University, 2004. Web.. 2011.