Key findings for the U.S. from the official report: ... While the U.S. spends more per student than most countries, this does not translate into better performance. For example, the Slovak Republic, which spends around USD 53 000 per student, performs at the same level as the United States, which spends over USD 115 000 per student...
Excellent point. Students may not experience an academic benefit from larger school buildings, newer football fields, school district central offices which are impressive edifices located on prime real estate and having prestigious facades, and other increases in government-held assets. Similarly, students may not benefit academically from higher post-employment pensions and benefits paid to teachers, yet all these things may be reported as per-pupil costs.
Key findings for the U.S. from the official report: ... Students in the U.S. are largely satisfied with their school and view teacher-student relations positively...
Some may wonder about the surveys and whether a negative report was allowed, whether the studies were conducted anonymously or with students identifiable to teachers in viewing results etc. (Reference
recent thread discussing biased survey design).