Originally Posted by kcab
Ania - I'm thinking you or Val might know something about the elementary school math path outside the US. My impression, which is possibly completely incorrect, is that in Europe math education proceeds more slowly up until 7th grade (then speeds up for those on a math/science track). That is - a lot more emphasis on basics, possibly just by starting later. Care to comment/correct me?

Of course, probably varies a lot by country within the continent also.

Yes, I was schooled in Europe but it was many years ago and it is different now. What I said above comes from observing the behavior of US schools/parents over the last few years. Not from my past schooling experience.