The American system of education is unlike that in many other countries. Its peculiar feature is the actual absence of national administration. There are 50 states in the country and each of them is responsible for its own school. For children aged from 6 to 16 (or 18) education is compulsory. It is presented by both public and private schools. While public education is financed by the state, local, and federal government, private education determines its own curriculum and policy. Public education is universally available and its standards are set by the state governments. According to statistics, almost 90% of school children in the USA attend public schools and nearly 10% attend private schools. There are also some children who are homeschooled.
Apart from differences, which exist throughout the country, there are certain common features. For example, elementary school normally involves short preschool education. Elementary and secondary schools take up to 12 years, depending on the state. School year lasts for 10 months. It starts in September and ends in June. Children usually attend school five days a week for five or more hours a day. The elementary school curriculum includes English, mathematics, science, computer skills, music, art, physical education, and some other subjects. The majority of Americans continue secondary education in institutions of higher education, which comprise into community colleges, technical schools, universities and special graduate schools, which offer Doctor’s and Master’s degrees.
Undergraduate education in the USA offers two types of degrees: associate's and bachelor's. Most community colleges offer two year associate's degrees, although there are some which have a number of bachelor programs. If a community college doesn't offer a baccalaureate, students prefer to transfer to another institution, where they can pursue a bachelor's degree, studying for four more years. These four-year colleges or universities can be either private or public, while community colleges are mainly funded publicly. Public universities are usually sponsored by the government. They can get funding through federal grants, tuition, private donations. Private universities are funded from private sources. Curriculum varies widely in each institution. Students are allowed to change their majors several times. Those who achieve a bachelor's degree are likely to continue studying in the postgraduate.
Grading scale and standardized tests are typical for American education. In schools children get accessed during each academic year. At certain intervals they also get report cards from teachers, which are designed for parents. American schools generally use a letter grade. For example, "A" - for excellent work and "E" - for poor work. To appoint such grades a teacher should count the total number of points for a student and then translate it into a letter grade. To ensure that children are achieving the desired level of education American schools hold certain tests. At the 11th grade students take one or more standardized tests, which evaluate the overall level of their knowledge. The most common standardized tests are SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing).
Education in the USA
The American education system is different from systems in many other countries. Its feature is the virtual absence of national control. There are 50 states in the country and each of them is responsible for their own schools. For children aged 6 to 16 (or 18) education is compulsory. It is represented by both public and private schools. While public education is funded by the state, local and federal budgets, private education determines its own curriculum and policies. Public education is public and its standards are set by state governments. According to statistics, almost 90% of school-age children in the US attend public schools and almost 10% attend private schools. There are also some children who are homeschooled.
Apart from the differences that exist across the country, there are certain commonalities. For example, elementary school usually includes a short course of preschool education. Primary and secondary schools last up to 12 years, depending on the state. The academic year lasts about 10 months. It starts in September and ends in June. Children usually attend school five days a week for five or more hours a day. The elementary school curriculum includes English, math, science, computer skills, music, art, physical education, and some other subjects. Most Americans continue their secondary education at institutions of higher learning, which include community colleges, technical schools, universities, and graduate schools that offer doctoral or master's degrees.
Higher education in the United States offers two types of degrees: associate's degree and bachelor's degree. Most community colleges offer associate's degrees in two years, although there are some that offer a range of undergraduate programs. If the local college does not offer a bachelor's degree, students can continue their education at another institution where there is an opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree over a period of four years. These four-year colleges or universities may be either private or public, while community colleges are funded primarily by the state. Public universities are usually sponsored by the government. They may receive funding from federal grants, tuition fees, private donations. Private universities are financed from private sources. The curricula of each institution vary greatly. Students can change their major several times. Those who have received a bachelor's degree usually continue their studies in graduate school.
Grading scales and standardized tests are typical of American education. In schools, children are assessed during each school year. At regular intervals, they also receive report cards from teachers, which are intended for parents. American schools generally use letter grades. For example, "A" for excellent work and "E" for poor work. To assign these grades, the teacher must calculate the student's total score and then translate it into a letter grade. In order to make sure that children reach the desired level of education, certain tests are carried out in American schools. In 11th grade, students take one or more standardized tests that assess their general level of knowledge. The most common standardized tests are the SAT (American Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing).
The US educational system is much decentralized and schools vary greatly from state to state. There are three levels of subsidizing education: federal, state and local. They subsidize 3-5 per cent on a federal level, around 20 per cent on a state level and 70-80 per cent on a local level.
There are 15,000 school districts which are different in size. A school district is governed by the Board of Education/School Board/School Council which is elected every two years by the residents of the school district. Members of school boards perform their responsibilities on a volunteer basis, which means they do not get any salaries. They are to define the policies for the administration of the school district. Teachers, in turn, decide about the program and approaches of teaching.
Every resident pays a school tax to the school district he/she lives in, no matter he/she has school children or not. School education in the United States is free and parents are free to choose a school for their children. But if parents send their child to a school of another school district they have to pay the sum equivalent to the school tax directly to the school the child goes to.
There are also a lot of private schools, mainly religious, and parents have to pay for them. The cost is $5,000 - $10,000 a year.
There is no home education in the United States. Each invalid is supposed to attend school. School provides all the necessary conditions for them to study.
The school system structure in the United States looks like this. Children start going to school at the age of five. First they go to eight-year elementary school and then to high school or if they go to five- or six-year elementary school, they then attend three- or four-year middle school, and then high school. Teenagers study at high school four years and graduate from it at the age of eighteen. Members of each grade in high school have special names:
A ninth grader is called a Freshman,
- a tenth grader - a Sophomore,
- an eleventh grader - a Junior,
- a twelfth grader - a Senior.
The completion of high school is called graduation. In order to graduate, students must accumulate a certain amount of credits during their four years at school. Credits are points given for every subject that is passed successfully. In addition to that, students must successfully complete specific subjects required by the state or local educational authorities, such as US history, English, mathematics and physical education. This may vary from state to state.
Over 60% of school graduates continue their education in two- or four-year colleges or universities. At least 10% of high school students are allowed to finish school at the age of 16.
A school year starts at the beginning of September or at the end of August and ends in late June or early July, just before the Independence Day, and is divided into three terms/trimesters or four quarters. School children have winter and spring breaks for two or three weeks and summer vacation for six up to eight weeks.
There is a great variety of Saturdays, Sundays, vocational and other schools. The most popular one is summer school. It is for students who want to get a deeper knowledge in a particular subject, or to skip a year, or just fail their examinations. It lasts six weeks and parents have to pay for it.
Students go to school five days a week. They get to and from school by a school bus. A typical school day in America starts at 7.30 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance in which the US flag and the whole nation is glorified. Then follows the homeroom period during which a homeroom teacher calls the roll and the principal makes his/her announcements over the intercom. Every day students usually have seven periods which last 50-55, sometimes 45 minutes. In some schools there are four periods lasting 90 minutes. There are 2-5 minute passing between periods and a break of 30 minutes for lunch.
American schools today house a large number of students but making friends can be difficult, as the same group of students does not attend all the classes. In order to encourage meeting and knowing a broader population at school, special emphasis is placed on so-called extracurricular activities where interests, rather than academic ability, bring students together.
Extracurricular activities are the many club meetings, music or drama rehearsals, and sport practice sessions that take place in American high school in the afternoon after classes. These meetings are a very important part of high school life, since they are a link between different groups of students who are placed in various academic programs. Students who usually would not meet in the classroom get to know each other in areas of common interest. They give students the opportunity to further their specific interests in various fields and to spend their free time together.
Even though they are not mandatory, many students get involved in different extracurricular activities. Since students spend a lot of time participating in various activities, school becomes the center of social life for students. They not only go to school to study the material presented in class, but they also meet together to socialize and to pursue their interests.
Other important activities in American high school are sports teams. Most schools offer a variety of teams for both boys and girls. American football, basketball and base-ball are played in the majority of schools. In addition, one may find tennis, gymnastics, hockey, swimming, golf, volleyball, cross-country, and track and field teams, depending again on the size and financial resources of the school. Soccer is also growing in popularity.
Usually schools have varsity teams, which complete with other schools and which have very intensive training, and intramural teams, which play other teams within the school itself. In most schools, there is a great deal of competition between students to join the varsity team. There are often schools regulations that make it difficult for new students to join. On the intramural teams most students are welcome to participate.
In many schools girls have fewer possibilities than boys. Smaller schools may not have some of the above-mentioned teams for girls. But a special group of girls and boys play an important part at the football and basketball games. They are called cheerleaders and they lead the crowd in cheers for their team.
In addition to clubs and sports teams, one will find the Student Council and the class officer meetings. Students are elected by their school and classmates to represent them in these bodies and to organize activities for their school.
U.S. colleges and universities offer a variety of programs ranging from highly academic courses to very practical ones. Students can be educated not only for academic professions, but also for technical professions, such as mechanics, nursing, medical technology, computer technology and book-keeping.
In universities young people study four years to get bachelor's degree. If one wants to get master's degree he/she must study two years more and do a research work. If one has master's degree, studies more, does a research work and passes an oral, comprehensive examination he/she gets doctor's degree (PhD).
The American system of school education differs from the systems in other countries. There are state public schools, private elementary schools and private secondary schools. Public schools are free and private schools are feepaying. Each state has its own system of public schools. The American education system is different from other countries. There are state general education schools, private elementary and private general education schools. Public schools are free, while private schools are paid. Each state has its own public school system.
elementary education begins at the age of six or seven, when a child goes to the first grade (form).
At the age of sixteen schoolchildren leave the elementary school and may continue their education at one of the secondary schools or high schools, as they call them. The program of studies in the elementary school includes English, Arithmetic, Geography, History of the USA, Natural Sciences and, besides, Physical Training, Singing, Drawing, Wood or Metal Work, etc.
Sometimes they learn a foreign language and general history. Beside giving general education some high schools teach subjects useful to those who hope to find jobs in industry and agriculture or who want to enter colleges or universities. After graduating from secondary schools a growing number of Americans go on to higher education. The students do not take the same courses. During the first two years they follow a basic programme. It means that every student must select at least one course from each of the basic fields of study: English, Natural Sciences, Modern Languages, History or Physical Training. After the first two years, every student can select subjects according to his professional interest. The National Government gives no direct financial aid to the institutions of higher education. Students must pay a tuition fee.
Primary education begins at the age of six or seven, when the child enters first grade. At the age of 16, students complete primary school and can continue their education in comprehensive schools or technical schools, as they call them. The elementary school program includes: English, arithmetic, geography, US history, natural sciences, in addition, singing, drawing, work, etc. Sometimes a foreign language and general history are included in the program.
In addition, some schools include in their general education programs the subjects necessary for those who hope to find work in industry or agriculture, and for those who want to enter college and university. After leaving school, an increasing number of Americans go to higher educational institutions. Students don't study the same subjects. Only the first two years they follow a common program. This means that each student must choose at least one course from the general fields of science: English, Science, Modern Languages, History or Physical Education. After two years of study, each student can choose subjects according to their professional interests.
The state does not provide direct financial assistance to higher education institutions.
Students must pay for their own education.
This creates a financial hardship for some people. Many students have to work to pay their expenses.The Americans place a high value on education.That’s why Kennedy said, “Our
progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.”
This creates financial hardship for some people. Many students have to work to pay for their education. Americans value education very highly. No wonder Kennedy said, "Our progress as nations depends entirely on our progress in education."
Vocabulary:
- to differ [‘difa] - differ
- basic program [‘beisik ‘program] - basic program
- free - free
- fee paying - paid
- to create - create
Questions:
- Does the American system of school education differ from the systems in other countries?
- What kinds of schools are there in the USA?
- Is it true that each state has its own system of public schools?
System of Higher Education in the USA
‘Americans regard education as the means by which the inequalities among individuals are to be erased and by which every desirable end is to be achieved.’
George S. Counts
Types of educational institutions. Basic subjects, grades, exams, certificates.
Education in the United States comprises three levels: elementary, secondary and higher education. There are two types of educational institutions - private and state. State institutions are called public schools, they are open to all classes and financed by taxes collected from all citi-zens. Americans view their public school system as an educational ladder, rising from secondary school to university programs. ! Kids start school by going to kindergartens at the age of 6, which is often a part of grade schools (each year of study is called a grade). First six years are elementary school, then come junior high (grades 7 -8) and high school (grades 9-12).
Most pupils follow a course that includes basic subjects — English, science and mathematics, social sciences and physical education — as well as elective subjects for high school students who plan their careers and select subjects that will be useful in their chosen work — foreign languages, fine arts, advanced mathematics and science, and vocational training.
Students usually receive grades from A (excellent) to F (failing) in each course they take on the basis of performance in tests given throughout the year, participation in class discussions and completion of written and oral assignments. End-of-the-year examinations are given in many schools, but it's not a must.
Sometime during grade school students are given an IQ test (an Intelligence Quotient test). It is not a test of their knowledge, but of their ability to think. The results (scores) from these tests are known only by the teachers, and not by the students or their parents. If you have a high IQ score the teachers expect more of you, and give you more interesting work to do. At the same time, you could have a bad IQ score and be quite bright because the tests aren't perfect and often fail to bring out your best abilities.
Though there is no separate educational system for the wealthy, there have always been private schools at all levels which are not supported primarily by public funds and charge fees. The organization and curriculum of private schools and colleges are similar to those of public schools but the administration differs. Private schools are usually smaller, some are open to all classes and some are not. The latter are elite private schools which serve mainly upper-class chil-dren. The tuition costs are so high that only wealthiest families can afford. Many private schools are boarding schools where kids often stay at school and don’t go home after classes, so their parents have to pay not only for better training but for their rooms and food as well. Some schools are single-sex, whereas most public schools are coeducational (coed). Private high schools are sometimes called prep schools, that is, preparatory schools, meaning preparation for college.
Most young Americans graduate from school with a high school diploma upon satisfactory completion of a specified number of courses. Each student is given a high school transcript which summarizes the courses taken and the grades obtained. That is the end of mandatory free public education, however, some students drop out of school and never graduate). At that point young people have to decide whether they want to continue their education or whether they want to seek employment. Overlialf of the students enter institutions of higher education, others may get further education at special colleges. It is mainly vocational, and leads to a certificate, or a diploma, not a degree. Courses vary in length - from a few months to two years. There are full-time, part-time and sandwich courses, that is, courses where periods of full-time study alternate with periods of full-time work, usually in industry.
Translation of text (via Promt):
US Higher Education System
‘Americans view education as the means by which inequalities among the people are to be erased and by which every desired end is to be reached.’
George S. Counts
Types of educational institutions. Basic subjects, grades, exams, certificates.
Education in the United States includes three levels: elementary, secondary and higher education. There are two types of educational institutions - private and public. Public institutions are called public schools, they are open to all classes and financed by taxes levied on all citizens. Americans view their public school system as an educational ladder rising from high school to university programs. Children start school by going to kindergarten at the age of 6, which is often part of elementary schools (each year of schooling is called a class). The first six years are elementary school, followed by junior high (grades 7-8) and high school (grades 9-12).
Most students follow a course that includes core subjects - English, science and mathematics, social studies and physical education - as well as elective subjects for high school students who are planning a career and choosing subjects that will be useful in their chosen job - foreign languages , arts, advanced math and science, and vocational training.
Students generally receive a grade from A (Excellent) to F (Poor) in each course they take based on performance on tests throughout the year, participation in class discussions, and completion of written and oral assignments. End-of-year examinations are given in many schools, but this is not mandatory.
Sometimes during elementary school, students are given an IQ test (IQ test). This is not a test of their knowledge, but of their ability to think. The results (scores) of these tests are known only to the teachers, not to the students or their parents. If you have a high IQ score, teachers expect more from you and give you more interesting work. At the same time, you could have a poor IQ score and be quite smart because the tests are not perfect and often fail to show your best abilities.
Although there is no separate educational system for the wealthy, there have always been private schools at all levels that are not supported primarily by public funds and charge fees. The organization and curriculum of private schools and colleges are similar to those of public schools, but the administration is different. Private schools are usually smaller, with some open to all grades and some not. The latter are elite private schools that serve mainly upper-class children. Tuition costs are so high that only the richest families can afford it. Many private schools are boarding schools where children often stay at school and don't go home after classes, so their parents have to pay not only for the best tuition, but for their rooms and food as well. Some schools are single-sex, whereas most public schools are coeducational. Private high schools are sometimes referred to as preparatory schools, that is, pre-college schools.
The youngest Americans graduate with a high school diploma after satisfactorily completing a specified number of courses. Each student is given a high school transcript that summarizes the courses taken and the grades received. This is the end of compulsory free public education, however, some students leave school and never graduate.) In that case, young people must decide if they want to continue their education or if they want to look for a job. More than half of the students enter institutions of higher education, others can receive further education in special colleges. It is mostly vocational, and leads to a certificate, or diploma, but not a degree. Courses vary in length - from several months to two years. There are full-time, part-time and piece-rate courses, that is, courses where periods of full-time study alternate with periods of full-time work, usually in industry.
Education in the United States of America is compulsory for children from the age of 6 till 16 (or 18). It involves 12 years of schooling. A school year starts at the end of August or at the beginning of September and ends in late June or early July. The whole school year is divided into three terms/trimesters or four quarters. American students have winter, spring and summer holidays which last 2 or 3 weeks and 6 or 8 weeks, respectively. The length of the school year varies among the states as well as the day length. Students go to school 5 days a week.
The American education system consists of 3 basic components: elementary, secondary and higher education. There is also such a notion as preschool education. At the age of 4 or 5 children just get acquainted with the formal education in a nursery school. The preschool education program aims to prepare children for elementary school through playing and help them to acquire the experience of association. It lasts for one year. Then they go to the first grade (or grade 1).
Elementary education starts when pupils are 6 years old. The program of studies in the elementary school includes the following subjects: English, Arithmetic, Geography, History of the USA, Natural sciences, Physical Training, Singing, Drawing, wood or metal work. The education is mostly concentrated on the basic skills (speaking, reading, writing and arithmetic). Sometimes children also learn some foreign languages, general history and such new subjects as drug and sex education. The main goal of elementary education is the general intellectual, social and physical development of a pupil from 5 to 12 or 15 years old.
Secondary education begins when children move on to high or secondary school in the ninth grade, where they continue their studies until the twelfth grade. The secondary school curriculum is built around specific subjects rather than general skills. Although there is always a number of basic subjects in the curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education, the students have an opportunity to learn some elective subjects, which are not necessary for everybody. After the first two years of education they can select subjects according to their professional interests. The electives are to be connected with the students" future work or further education at university or college. Every high school has a special teacher — a guidance counselor who helps the students to choose these elective subjects. Moreover, he helps them with some social problems , too.
Members of each grade in high school have special names: students in the ninth grade are called freshmen, tenth graders are called sophomores, eleventh graders are juniors and as for twelfth graders, they are seniors.
After graduating from high schools the majority of the Americans go on studying at higher education establishments. In universities they have to study for four years to get a bachelor's degree. In order to get a master's degree they must study two years more and, besides, be engaged in a research work.
Translation of the text: Education in the USA - Education in the USA (4)
Education in the United States of America is compulsory for children from 6 to 16 (or 18) years old. It implies 12 years of schooling. The academic year in America begins at the end of August or at the beginning of September, and ends at the end of June or at the beginning of July. The academic year consists of three trimesters or four quarters. Winter, spring and summer holidays last 2-3 or 6-8 weeks respectively. The length of the school year and school day varies by state. Children study 5 days a week and get to school, usually by school bus.
The American education system consists of three fundamental components: primary, secondary and higher education. In addition, in America there is the concept of preschool education. At the age of 4-5 years, children are just beginning to get acquainted with the educational process in kindergarten. The purpose of the preschool program is to prepare children for elementary school through play, to help them gain social experience. When they are 6 years old, they enter the 1st grade of elementary school.
The elementary school curriculum includes the following subjects: English, arithmetic, geography, US history, natural history, physical education, singing, drawing, labor education. Basically, the emphasis is on teaching basic skills - speaking, reading, writing and arithmetic. Sometimes children study some foreign languages and world history, as well as subjects such as sex education and lessons on the study of the social role of drugs. The main goal of primary education is the comprehensive intellectual, social and physical development of a child aged 5 to 12 or 15 years.
Secondary education begins when students enter high school, in 9th grade; then they continue their education until the 12th grade. The high school curriculum focuses more on teaching specific subjects than general knowledge. And although the schedule always has a set of basic subjects - English, mathematics, science, social studies and physical education - the guys are given the opportunity to study elective subjects that are not required for all students. After the first two years of study, they choose subjects according to their professional interests. Such subjects should be related to the student's future work or subsequent study at a university or college. Each high school has a special teacher - career counselor. He helps students make their choice of subjects, and also gives advice related to the field of social problems. Elective courses vary by school.
Students in each grade of high school have their own special names: ninth graders are called freshmen, tenth graders are sophomores, eleventh graders are juniors, and twelveth graders are alumni.
After graduating from high school, the vast majority of Americans go on to higher education. In universities, young people must study for 4 years and pass 4 credits to get a bachelor's degree. To obtain a master's degree, you need to study for another 2 years and engage in research work. After that, the student can do a number of other necessary works that will give him the opportunity to become a doctor of science.
References:
1. 100 topics of oral English (V. Kaverina, V. Boyko, N. Zhidkih) 2002
2. English for schoolchildren and applicants to universities. Oral exam. Topics. Reading texts. Exam questions. (Tsvetkova I.V., Klepalchenko I.A., Myltseva N.A.)
3. English, 120 Topics. English language, 120 conversation topics. (Sergeev S.P.)