USA TODAY OPINION About Editorials/Debate Opinions expressed in USA TODAY's editorials are decided by its Editorial Board, a demographically and ideologically diverse group that is separate from USA TODAY's news staff. Most editorials are accompanied by an opposing view — a unique USA TODAY feature that allows readers to reach conclusions based on both sides of an argument rather than just the Editorial Board's point of view. The rankings from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) are out, and our standing in international comparisons has sparked debate on how to improve public education. The worst thing we can do is adopt unproven policies in the rush to reclaim our leadership position. OUR VIEW: 'We're No. 15!' doesn't cut it in today's global economy I'm reminded of the old axiom, "Anyone's entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." Policies that the National Education Association (NEA) has supported — stronger teacher preparation and more autonomy in the classroom — echo PISA's key findings and recommendations for boosting U.S. performance. A detailed review of the nearly 300-page report finds "merit pay" mentioned zero times and some U.S. reforms, like those in No Child Left Behind, criticized for their punitive accountability requirements. PISA's top-performing countries show us that the way forward is by elevating the teaching profession. Among the hallmarks of high-performers such as Canada and Finland are strong teachers unions and evaluation systems that identify, support and advance effective teaching. These international reforms mirror the work of NEA's local affiliates — including Denver, Hillsborough County, Fla., and Montgomery County, Md. — that have made significant changes in the ways that teachers are evaluated and compensated. Many people are enamored with paying and judging teachers based on test scores, but the idea is riddled with flaws. From April through September, the average weekday circulation of USA TODAY fell almost 4% below the level of the year before. Should readers conclude that the newspaper's writers are getting worse at their jobs? Not exactly. Most observers say newspaper circulation has plummeted for several years because of the Internet and a weak economy. Circulation data alone are not a fair measure of journalists or the quality of their stories. So it is with teachers. The work of teachers should be assessed, but there is no simple, easy way to evaluate a profession that combines many different tasks, from explaining content to inspiring students to maintaining order in class. NEA is keenly focused on how to help every student succeed and recently formed an independent commission of expert teachers to examine professional practices that make a difference in learning. The lesson from PISA is clear: Respect teachers and treat them like professionals. The U.S. should focus on what leading countries are doing and learn from their example. Dennis Van Roekel is president of the National Education Association and a 23-year high school math teacher. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more