Education in the U.S

• The Goal of Education --universal literacy

--knowledge and skills

--welfare of individuals and general public

• Public and Private schools public—85% private—15%

Most private are religious

• A powerful consumer yearly expenses---190,000million

Education-a local matter

• Every state has its own laws on education

– Age limits vary

16 or 18? 13years guaranteed

– Some states play strong role in choosing books

– To educate children on public concerns

Primary and secondary • Several levels:

– Elementary school (grammar school) K to 8 or K to 6

“Middle grade”

– Secondary school 9 to 12 (high school)

Junior high school (7-9)

Senior high school (7-12)

What students learn

• No National curriculum

• Elementary schools:– Subjects mentioned

• Secondary schools– the same core subjects – differ in time amount– Elective courses various

History of Education

The colonial period: 1.The puritans:

Compulsory education for all

Public taxation for schools

2.Other colonies

3.Practice brought from England

After independence: Remain in local hand

Education after WWII• Social changes after WWII

• Changes in education:– Teach new information– The inquiry method of learning– Government spent more in education– Need and growth of higher ecucation

• The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act

Higher Education• Proportion of recruitment

• How schools choose applicants

• Four categories of institutions

• Public or private?

• Factors that determine the schools

• Competition and SATs

Selecting a college or university

• What degrees the school offer?– Undergraduates, master’s, doctor’s

• curriculum and requirements– Major and elective courses– Credit regulations

• Public or private? Religious or not?– Source of income

• How large is the school?– Why do large schools flourish?

Education for all• Veterans went to school after the war

• Enrollment of women increased

• Equalizing educational opportunities– The “affirmative action programs”– Change and compromise– Admitting diverse talents– Higher percentage of non-traditional students