Education in AmericaEducation in America

American Society & CultureAmerican Society & Culture

Getting Started…Getting Started…• What do you already know about What do you already know about

American education?American education?

• Make a list with your partner of 3 facts Make a list with your partner of 3 facts

you think you know about American you think you know about American

education education andand 3 questions you have 3 questions you have

about American education.about American education.

Some Background…Some Background…Americans are proud of the fact that the window Americans are proud of the fact that the window

of knowledge is never slammed shut for any of of knowledge is never slammed shut for any of the nation’s citizens. the nation’s citizens.

Children are allowed to attend classes with kids Children are allowed to attend classes with kids of various races. Additionally, schools have of various races. Additionally, schools have equal opportunities for both males and equal opportunities for both males and females, and for children with disabilities or females, and for children with disabilities or handicaps. handicaps.

Now each and every student can get an equal Now each and every student can get an equal chance to be educatedchance to be educated..

Some More Background…Some More Background…In 2001, an law called “No Child Left Behind” In 2001, an law called “No Child Left Behind”

(NCLB) was passed to help ensure that every (NCLB) was passed to help ensure that every child is given the opportunity to succeed.child is given the opportunity to succeed.

American public schools are locally controlled, American public schools are locally controlled, free from religious influence, and publicly free from religious influence, and publicly supported by taxes.supported by taxes.

As we talk about education today, you’ll notice As we talk about education today, you’ll notice (again!) the values of independence and choice (again!) the values of independence and choice showing up over and over. showing up over and over.

Levels of EducationLevels of Education• Pre-SchoolPre-School

• KindergartenKindergarten

• Primary SchoolPrimary School

• Middle SchoolMiddle School

• High SchoolHigh School

• College/ University: Bachelor’s degree, College/ University: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctorate degreeMaster’s degree, Doctorate degree

Early EducationEarly Education• Many students begin attending pre-school

when they are four years old. Pre-schools are often private and parents must pay some money.

• In most areas, free public school education begins with kindergarten classes for five-year-olds.

• Some public school systems also offer pre-

kindergarten programs for four-year-olds.

Early EducationEarly Education• Some children are introduced to the Some children are introduced to the

classroom situation at a much younger age classroom situation at a much younger age

through child care programs or day care (through child care programs or day care ( 日托 ). These programs are commonly used . These programs are commonly used

Monday- Friday by parents who want/ need Monday- Friday by parents who want/ need

to work.to work.

• Day care centers often accept children from Day care centers often accept children from

the time they are just a few weeks old.the time they are just a few weeks old.

Nursery School/ Pre-School Nursery School/ Pre-School (( 幼儿园幼儿园 ))

Nursery schools accept children from three to

five years old.

These schools meet for half a day. Some pre-

schools meet five days a week; others meet just

two or three times a week.

Pre-school classrooms usually have lots of play

and learning materials (dolls, toy furniture,

building blocks, books, etc.) and playgrounds.

Nursery School/ Pre-School Nursery School/ Pre-School (( 幼儿园幼儿园 ))

Pre-schools usually charge tuition, but

there may be scholarships available.

Pre-schools give children a place to

develop creativity ( 创造力 ) in their play as

well as teaching basic social skills and

simple knowledge.

KindergartenKindergarten Kindergarten refers to just one year of school that

most children complete at age 5, before they

begin attending a formal school for grades 1-12.

It often meets for only half a day and gives

children a chance to get used to being away from

their parents.

Students are introduced to skills and information Students are introduced to skills and information

that will help them in the classroom the next year that will help them in the classroom the next year

when they start primary school.when they start primary school.

Formal EducationFormal Education

Students attend 12 years of formal education (not including

a nursery school/ preschool experience).

Students attend a public school mostly based on the

location of their home, not based on their ability.

The school year usually begins in August and ends

sometime in June (depending on location). There is a 10-14

day break in December and usually a one-week break in

March.

Formal EducationFormal EducationStudents typically arrive at school between 7 & 8:30am and

leave school by 2:30 or 3:30 pm. There is no afternoon rest, just a 25-30 minute lunch break, so this gives them 7-8 hours of class each day. Because of the value of independence, many American students are required to spend a few hours at home studying and doing homework (that will be graded) by themselves. Also, getting out of school at this time allows students to take part in clubs, sports teams, or part time jobs.

• A major influence on formal education in America is the quality

and amount of teacher training that is required.• People who want to become teachers, in addition to studying a

subject area they want to teach, must: – take 15-20 university courses about education.– complete heavily supervised internship experiences during three

or four of their years of university.

– complete their Master’s degree ( 硕士学位 ) in education within a

few years of college graduation.

• These things help ensure that teachers not only know their

subject area, but really know how to teach with the best

methods possible.

Elementary School/ Primary SchoolElementary School/ Primary School

Each state groups the levels of schooling differently. In

most states, grades 1-5 or 1-6 are called “elementary

school.”

Each year, students are placed in classes of 20-30 students.

They stay with their class most of the day.

In most cases, each class has one teacher. This teacher

stays with the students all day and is trained to teach

them all subjects such as English, reading, math,

science, geography, and history.

Elementary School/ Primary SchoolElementary School/ Primary School

Each day, students visit a “specials” teacher for 30-60

minutes to study music, art, foreign language, P.E., or

computers.

At the beginning of the new school year, students are put

into new classes. Each class has students of all different

ability levels to create a diverse environment.

There are other teachers available to support students who There are other teachers available to support students who

struggle in a certain subject or to give extra challenges to struggle in a certain subject or to give extra challenges to

students who excel in a certain area.students who excel in a certain area.

Elementary School/ Primary SchoolElementary School/ Primary SchoolHere are some photos of primary school classrooms in America.

Teachers spend many hours and lots of money preparing their classroom environment for new students each year. They often choose a theme for their classroom as well.

Elementary School/ Primary SchoolElementary School/ Primary School

Middle School/ Junior HighMiddle School/ Junior High& High School & High School

Middle school begins in grade 6 or grade 7 (depending on the Middle school begins in grade 6 or grade 7 (depending on the state) and continues through grade 8. High school is four state) and continues through grade 8. High school is four years, grades 9-12.years, grades 9-12.

In middle school and high school (and at university), students are In middle school and high school (and at university), students are no longer grouped in classes with the same students all day no longer grouped in classes with the same students all day long, but change classrooms, teachers, and classmates for long, but change classrooms, teachers, and classmates for every period. every period.

Each student completes his or her classes according to his/ her Each student completes his or her classes according to his/ her ability in a subject area (low, average, or high). This also allows ability in a subject area (low, average, or high). This also allows students to have many new classmates all day long. The students to have many new classmates all day long. The student, his or her previous teacher in a subject area, and his student, his or her previous teacher in a subject area, and his or her parents choose together which level of the required or her parents choose together which level of the required classes the student should take.classes the student should take.

Middle School/ Junior HighMiddle School/ Junior High& High School & High School

Students study English grammar and literature, American Students study English grammar and literature, American

and world history, geography, various types of math, and world history, geography, various types of math,

science, foreign language (often Spanish, French, Latin, science, foreign language (often Spanish, French, Latin,

or whatever is offered), and classes such as P.E., music, or whatever is offered), and classes such as P.E., music,

art, etc.art, etc.

Many of the classes are decided by the school as Many of the classes are decided by the school as

requirements for all students, but the student has a requirements for all students, but the student has a

chance to choose a few of his or her areas of interest to chance to choose a few of his or her areas of interest to

take classes in. take classes in.

Students usually have 7-8 periods each day. A different Students usually have 7-8 periods each day. A different

trained teacher teaches each subject.trained teacher teaches each subject.

Middle School/ Junior HighMiddle School/ Junior High& High School & High School

• Character training and social skills training are highly Character training and social skills training are highly

valued in American schools. After-school activities are seen valued in American schools. After-school activities are seen

as great ways for students to develop personally. Middle as great ways for students to develop personally. Middle

school and high school are times when students exercise school and high school are times when students exercise

independence and try many different activities, many times independence and try many different activities, many times

related to their hobbies or what job they hope to have in the related to their hobbies or what job they hope to have in the

future.future.

• Many schools want to build a close relationship between Many schools want to build a close relationship between

parents and teachers to better support students.parents and teachers to better support students.

Choosing a CollegeChoosing a College• In China, there are “top universities,” and anyone who has the In China, there are “top universities,” and anyone who has the

chance would probably like to attend one.chance would probably like to attend one.

• In America, there are some excellent schools, often called “Ivy In America, there are some excellent schools, often called “Ivy

League” schools. There are also many smaller, less famous League” schools. There are also many smaller, less famous

schools that are excellent. Many American students schools that are excellent. Many American students would notwould not

want to attend a “top university.” They choose another school on want to attend a “top university.” They choose another school on

the basis of the basis of environmentenvironment, , sizesize, the , the reputation of a particular majorreputation of a particular major, ,

or the types of or the types of activitiesactivities a university has. There are thousands of a university has. There are thousands of

colleges & universities in America.colleges & universities in America.

• Most people believe that a smaller, less famous university can still Most people believe that a smaller, less famous university can still

offer great opportunities for personal development and academic offer great opportunities for personal development and academic

growth, often with less academic pressure.growth, often with less academic pressure.

Applying to College: Applying to College: What do universities look for?What do universities look for?

• College is vastly different in China and America, as is the College is vastly different in China and America, as is the

application process. application process.

• In China, the main qualification is a student’s “gaokao” score.In China, the main qualification is a student’s “gaokao” score.

• American universities do not just want students who are smart American universities do not just want students who are smart

or can take a test well. They want students who are leaders, or can take a test well. They want students who are leaders,

who are active, who will be involved and make meaningful who are active, who will be involved and make meaningful

contributions to the school, and who will represent their school contributions to the school, and who will represent their school

well by contributing to society after college graduation.well by contributing to society after college graduation.

Applying to College: Applying to College: What do universities look for?What do universities look for?

• In America, the student will complete an application to a university In America, the student will complete an application to a university

that shows the university these things:that shows the university these things:

– The student’s “Grade Point Average” (GPA), a number made by averaging The student’s “Grade Point Average” (GPA), a number made by averaging

a student’s grades in each of his or her high school classes. a student’s grades in each of his or her high school classes.

– Scores on the SAT/ ACT, two tests that students often take their junior or Scores on the SAT/ ACT, two tests that students often take their junior or

senior year of high school. These tests contain some knowledge, some senior year of high school. These tests contain some knowledge, some

logic, and a test of thinking skills.logic, and a test of thinking skills.

– Letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation.

– The student’s high school activities, including community service, The student’s high school activities, including community service,

leadership, clubs, sports teams, part time jobs, etc.leadership, clubs, sports teams, part time jobs, etc.

– Sometimes the student must participate in an interview.Sometimes the student must participate in an interview.

– The student is usually required to write one or more essays about a topic The student is usually required to write one or more essays about a topic

to demonstrate his or her values/ thinking.to demonstrate his or her values/ thinking.

Colleges & UniversitiesColleges & Universities• Some students choose to attend a junior college or Some students choose to attend a junior college or

community college, where they can study some of the community college, where they can study some of the

basic classes required by many universities at a lower basic classes required by many universities at a lower

price. Later, they transfer to another college to complete price. Later, they transfer to another college to complete

their degree.their degree.

• Many colleges want students to be well-rounded/ Many colleges want students to be well-rounded/

balanced. They require students to take a certain number balanced. They require students to take a certain number

of classes in their major and several other classes from of classes in their major and several other classes from

other majors.other majors.

In the Classroom…In the Classroom…• Because students sign up for classes individually rather Because students sign up for classes individually rather

than staying with one group of students all day, students than staying with one group of students all day, students

can choose their majors anytime in the first year or two of can choose their majors anytime in the first year or two of

college, and they can change majors several times as college, and they can change majors several times as

long as they can finish the courses.long as they can finish the courses.

• Students generally have 15-18 hours of class time each Students generally have 15-18 hours of class time each

week. Each class meets 2-3 times per week. In addition, week. Each class meets 2-3 times per week. In addition,

students are assigned several hours of homework that the students are assigned several hours of homework that the

teacher will collect and grade, including writing articles or teacher will collect and grade, including writing articles or

long papers, making a project, or preparing a long papers, making a project, or preparing a

presentation.presentation. http://www.traemcneely.com/2011/09/17/college-classroom-physics-chalkboard-tablet-phone-wallpaper-background/

In the Classroom…In the Classroom… The majority of American college classrooms are much more The majority of American college classrooms are much more

interactive than Chinese college classes. Classes in America interactive than Chinese college classes. Classes in America

sometimes contain lecture, but are often filled with:sometimes contain lecture, but are often filled with:

– Discussion,Discussion,

– Question & answer sessions,Question & answer sessions,

– Student presentations, Student presentations,

– Students practicing applyingStudents practicing applying

knowledge to a situation, orknowledge to a situation, or

– Other forms of student-teacher Other forms of student-teacher

interaction.interaction.http://blog.openstudy.com/2010/04/08/how-to-win-over-any-professor/

College LifeCollege Life

• A college community is an interesting and lively place. Students A college community is an interesting and lively place. Students

become involved in many different activities---extracurricular, become involved in many different activities---extracurricular,

religious, social, and athletic.religious, social, and athletic.

– Extracurricular activities are college newspapers, musical Extracurricular activities are college newspapers, musical

organizations, dramatic clubs, and political groups.organizations, dramatic clubs, and political groups.

– Student union where students can get together for lunch, study Student union where students can get together for lunch, study

sessions, club meetings, and socializing.sessions, club meetings, and socializing.

– Many schools plan free or cheap activities for students to take Many schools plan free or cheap activities for students to take

part in for learning or entertainment.part in for learning or entertainment.

– At many schools, campus life revolves around life in dormitories, At many schools, campus life revolves around life in dormitories,

fraternities, and sororities.fraternities, and sororities.

http://rebeccagrappo.com/blog/tag/transition-to-university/

Dorm LifeDorm Life•Life in the dormitory is a Life in the dormitory is a major highlight of the major highlight of the American college experience.American college experience.

•Most dormitories have just Most dormitories have just two people per room. There two people per room. There are often 15-20 rooms on are often 15-20 rooms on each hall, and the 30-40 each hall, and the 30-40 people who live there have people who live there have the opportunity to become the opportunity to become like a big family. In many like a big family. In many colleges, these students colleges, these students become really close and have become really close and have dinner, movies, or other dinner, movies, or other events together regularly.events together regularly.

http://www.unr.edu/housing Dorm Tour: Dorm Tour: http://www.xavier.edu/residenhttp://www.xavier.edu/residence-life/prospective/Photo-ce-life/prospective/Photo-Gallery.cfmGallery.cfm

College SportsCollege Sports•College sports are a big part of the College sports are a big part of the

college experience. Colleges place lots college experience. Colleges place lots

of pride in their sports teams.of pride in their sports teams.

•Students on sports teams practice a Students on sports teams practice a

few hours each day and often travel to few hours each day and often travel to

play against other teams. play against other teams.

•Some college teams have millions of Some college teams have millions of

fans. fans.

•Students who are not as talented or Students who are not as talented or

who do not want to spend so much who do not want to spend so much

time on sports can take part in time on sports can take part in

“intramural” sports, playing sports “intramural” sports, playing sports

competitively just for fun.competitively just for fun.

http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/local-sports-news/grambling-state-news/577073-urban-sports-poll-winston-salem-state-new-no-1-after-grambling-upsets-jackson-state.html

The Ivy League The Ivy League ( 常青藤盟校）• Some of the best-known private universities Some of the best-known private universities

in the United States are located in the in the United States are located in the

Northeast. Northeast.

• They are the oldest ones in America as well, They are the oldest ones in America as well,

known informally as known informally as the Ivy Leaguethe Ivy League. .

• These include These include Harvard, Yale, PrincetonHarvard, Yale, Princeton, ,

Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, and Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, and

University of Pennsylvania, with the first University of Pennsylvania, with the first

three known as “three known as “The Big ThreeThe Big Three”.”.

Harvard UniversityHarvard UniversityHarvard has an acceptance rate Harvard has an acceptance rate

of 7.2%.of 7.2%.

It is ranked as the U.S. #1 It is ranked as the U.S. #1

university (by U.S. News & university (by U.S. News &

World Report 2011-12).World Report 2011-12).

Harvard was established in Harvard was established in

1636. 1636.

Harvard Harvard has an enrollment of has an enrollment of

over 6,000 students. over 6,000 students.

The student-faculty ratio is 7:1.The student-faculty ratio is 7:1.

Harvard has more than 360,000 Harvard has more than 360,000

alumni around the world.alumni around the world.

More about Harvard University: More about Harvard University: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews

.com/best-colleges/harvard-university-2155 http://dcearc.harvard.edu/summer/1996/newengland.html

Princeton UniversityPrinceton University• Also ranks #1 U.S. University Also ranks #1 U.S. University

(based on U.S. News & World (based on U.S. News & World Report). Report).

• Enrollment: over 5,200 studentsEnrollment: over 5,200 students• 9% acceptance rate9% acceptance rate• 6:1 student: faculty ratio6:1 student: faculty ratio• Princeton strives to be one of the Princeton strives to be one of the

leading research universities and leading research universities and an outstanding undergraduate an outstanding undergraduate college.college.

• Let’s take an online photo tour of Let’s take an online photo tour of Princeton: Princeton: http://www.princeton.edu/~oktour/virtualtour/

http://www.idcide.com/citydata/nj/princeton.htm

Yale UniversityYale University

• Yale University was founded in 1701.Yale University was founded in 1701.

• Yale University has a 7.9% acceptance rate.Yale University has a 7.9% acceptance rate.

• It is ranked as the #3 university in America (by U.S. It is ranked as the #3 university in America (by U.S.

News and World Report).News and World Report).

• There are 5,310 students enrolled (50% male / 50% There are 5,310 students enrolled (50% male / 50%

female)female)

• Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1 Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1

• Let’s take a virtual tour of Yale University: Let’s take a virtual tour of Yale University:

http://admissions.yale.edu/virtual-tour

High School & University High School & University GraduationsGraduations

•High school & university High school & university graduations are big events.graduations are big events.

•There is usually a ceremony where There is usually a ceremony where the graduates wear special gowns the graduates wear special gowns & hats and receive their diplomas & hats and receive their diplomas (( 毕业文凭 毕业文凭 ))..

•Family and friends travel from far Family and friends travel from far away to see their loved ones away to see their loved ones graduate.graduate.

•Each family typically plans a big Each family typically plans a big dinner and/ or a graduation party to dinner and/ or a graduation party to celebrate afterwards.celebrate afterwards.

http://chenected.aiche.org/professional-career-development/after-school-special-%e2%80%94-the-sequel/

Academic DegreesAcademic Degrees• After completing four academic years with After completing four academic years with

acceptable grades in an approved course of acceptable grades in an approved course of

study, the student earns Bachelor degree (study, the student earns Bachelor degree ( 学士学学士学位位 )..

• A Master’s degree (A Master’s degree ( 硕硕士学位士学位 ) can be earned by ) can be earned by

one or two academic years of study beyond the one or two academic years of study beyond the

bachelor’s degree.bachelor’s degree.

• A Ph.D. (doctorate) (A Ph.D. (doctorate) ( 博士学位博士学位 )) degree usually degree usually

takes at least three years beyond the master’s.takes at least three years beyond the master’s.

Cost of UniversityCost of University• According to money.cnn.com, the price According to money.cnn.com, the price

for living and studying for a year at a for living and studying for a year at a typical private college rose 4.3% to typical private college rose 4.3% to $42,224 (=274,456 RMB) in 2011. $42,224 (=274,456 RMB) in 2011.

• Private college students receive, on Private college students receive, on average, $15,530 (=100,945 RMB) in average, $15,530 (=100,945 RMB) in scholarships and federal tax benefits, scholarships and federal tax benefits, reducing their average net cost to reducing their average net cost to $26,700 (=173,550 RMB), the College $26,700 (=173,550 RMB), the College Board found. Board found.

• Fewer than half of all public university Fewer than half of all public university students pay the full sticker price to students pay the full sticker price to attend. Federal surveys show at least attend. Federal surveys show at least 52% of all students at public four-year 52% of all students at public four-year universities receive scholarships or universities receive scholarships or grants. grants.

• Data & Chart Source: Data & Chart Source: http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/collhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/college/college_tuition_cost/index.htmege/college_tuition_cost/index.htm

Cost of UniversityCost of University• The New York Times reported in 2007 The New York Times reported in 2007

that the average debt load for a student that the average debt load for a student

graduating from a public college was graduating from a public college was

$18,000 (=117,000 RMB), while for $18,000 (=117,000 RMB), while for

private college graduates the number private college graduates the number

was $25,000 (=162,500 RMB).was $25,000 (=162,500 RMB).

Read more: The Average Student Debt Read more: The Average Student Debt

After Graduation | eHow.com After Graduation | eHow.com

http://www.ehow.com/info_7841809_avehttp://www.ehow.com/info_7841809_ave

rage-student-debt-after-rage-student-debt-after-

graduation.html#ixzz1tVZzOATOgraduation.html#ixzz1tVZzOATO

• Chart Source: Chart Source:

http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/collhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/10/26/pf/coll

ege/college_tuition_cost/index.htmege/college_tuition_cost/index.htm