United States/Singapore: US, Other Education Officials Get Lesson in School Success.

Section: General News - What are the ingredients of a successful school system? Getting the recipe right is important. In presenting his education agenda, President Barack Obama has said, "The future belongs to the nation that best educates its people." For now, educators suggest, that distinction lies half a world away from Washington, D.C. - in Singapore.

On a hot, humid morning in this small island nation, Mike Smith enters a crowded third grade classroom. There's no air conditioner, just open windows and some fans. The entire class of 36 9-year-olds stands and greets him politely.

U.S. education official Mike Smith talks with East View teacher Nur Hasanah Osman Smith is senior counselor to the U.S. Secretary of …