Final answer:
Americans' education is characterized by lower development in reading, math, and critical thinking skills compared to other countries, lower rankings on international tests, and unequal distribution of educational resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Americans are characterized in terms of education compared to the rest of the world by several factors. Firstly, American students' reading, math, and critical thinking skills are less developed than those of their peers in other industrialized nations. Secondly, the United States ranks lower than many other countries on international tests, such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), specifically in the areas of science and math. Finally, educational resources, including money and quality teachers, are not distributed equitably in the United States, leading to differences in social background that impact students' educational performance.