【英美概况】【课堂笔记】美国教育education in the USA

EDUCATION IN THE USA

Going to School in America Today

American education has the goal of achieving universal literacy and to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote both their own individual welfare as well as that of the society.

About 90% of American students attend public schools and the other 10% attend private schools. Most private schools are run the churches, synagogues or other religious groups; these schools teach about their religion as well as the usual subjects such as mathematics, English, science, history and geography.

The costs involved in providing education are very high and therefore it is constantly under review by governments and by citizens. The spending of money is guided by boards of education at the state and district level. The same is true for decisions about school curriculum, teacher standards and certification, and the measurement of student progress.

Education - A Local Matter

Education is mainly in the hands of the states and local governments; it is not controlled by the federal government.

Each child in America is guaranteed 13 years education, regardless of the child’s race, sex, religion, learning problems, physical handicap or inability to speak English. Each of the 50 states in the USA has its own laws concerning education such as the school leaving-age of students.

Americans like to educate their children about major public concerns, such as environmental pollution, nuclear issues, crimes and drugs. Boards of education can add courses to the curriculum, if they think that they are important for the students.

What an American Student Learns

There is no national curriculum in the USA but there are some subjects that maybe taught to all students from kindergarten to grade 12.

Elementary school

∙Elementary school usually means all grades from kindergarten through to grade 8.

∙Almost every elementary school teaches the following

subjects: mathematics, English, penmanship, science, social

studies (a subject that includes history, geography, citizenship and economics) and the use of computers.

Secondary school (high school)

Secondary school generally means grades 9 to 12. The core subjects required to be taught in secondary schools are English, mathematics, science, social studies and physical education.

In addition to the required subjects, the student can to choose elective courses. For instance, if they complete the required work in American History, they are then able to take additional history related units such as European History and World Political Issues.