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Education in the USA: Historical Background, Authority, and Structure

Explore the historical significance, authority, and structure of education in the USA, from early examples to current controversies. Learn about federal and state roles, funding, curriculum, school system, college preparation, higher education options, campus life, tuition costs, funding resources, and controversial issues.

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Education in the USA: Historical Background, Authority, and Structure

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  1. Education in the USA14 October 2013Sigrid Brevik Wangsness

  2. Historical Background • Education has always been of major importance in the USA • Early examples (before1776): Colleges Free public schools • Why?

  3. Historical Background • Part of the "American Dream“ • Key to success • Individual opportunity/self-realization

  4. Historical Background • Creates equal opportunities • Education considered a crucial part of the Americanization process • The schools shaping the American culture. Nation building. Values • The melting pot

  5. Historical Background • The wish to maintain Christianity • The need for educated citizens in a democracy • The need for an educated workforce in the new industries

  6. Authority • FederalDepartment of Education only advisory role + financial help • State/localresponsibility for education: • State boards of education (50) • Local school districts (some 16,000) • Each school • Each teacher / PTA (Parent – Teacher Association)

  7. Authority: Funding • Division of responsibility: federal funding 8%, state 49%, local 43% • Federal funding linked to federal standards/ recommendations, often tied to specific programs • State funding varies, depending on the priorities and resources of the state • Local funding is based on property taxes in most states

  8. State and Local Control • Advantages (?)/ disadvantages of local financing? (Take notes!) • Advantages (?)/ disadvantages of local control of textbooks and curriculum? Creationism vs. evolution Sex education • Parents’ pressure (PTA)

  9. The Structure of the System • Elementary school: 6 years (or 8 if Intermediate school is included) - start at the age of 6 • High school: 6 years (3 + 3) (or 4 years after Intermediate school) - not selective • Colleges and universities

  10. Public vs. Private: Elementary and High Schools • Public (around 85%) • Private (around 13%) = mostly religious schools • Home education (2%)

  11. Elementary School • RRR • Grading and testing from first grade • Core courses and exploratory classes • After school activities

  12. High School • Required classes (core curriculum) • Electives (“the cafeteria system”) • “Tracking” + advanced courses (preparation for college) • Drop-outs • More practical subjects? More discipline?

  13. High school • Quality of US high schools: - Individualism - Huge local/ social variations - "Honor roll“ vs. functional illiteracy • Private high schools • The role of sports

  14. Preparing for College • Grades / GPA • SAT tests • Entrance requirements • Recommendations • Application letter/essay • Visiting campuses with parents • Interviews • "Well-rounded students"

  15. Higher Education in the USA: Colleges and Universities • A. Undergraduate studies 2-year college (Junior College) 4-year Bachelor's degree: B.A./ B.S./ B.B.A. F, S, J and S years*. Grades (BrE: marks) *Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors , Seniors • B. Graduate studies Master's degree (1-2 years), M.A./ M.S./ M.B.A. Professional degrees: medical/ law Ph.D./ doctorate degree (3 years)

  16. Colleges and Universities • Broad knowledge (Liberal Arts) vs. specialization (as in Europe) • Majors and minors • Public and private colleges/universities Advantages and disadvantages? • State universities • The Ivy League (= oldest, most prestigious private universities)

  17. Colleges and Universities • The wide range of subjects/ choices • Continuous assessment (constant pressure) • Evaluation of in-class participation • Competitive atmosphere • Papers and mid-terms • Summer school

  18. Colleges and Universities • 15 of the world’s top universities are in the USA • The wide range of quality from university to university: The academic levels vary considerably • A lack of academic atmosphere at some institutions– emphasis on social life

  19. Campus Life • Umbrella universities • Living on campus – a mini community • Fraternities and sororities • College athletics • Social life

  20. Tuition Costs • State universities • In-state and out-of–state tuition • Private universities • In addition: Room and board, books

  21. Student Financing • Parents • Scholarships/ grants Federal grants Need-based scholarships Performance-based scholarships Athletic scholarships • Student loans • On-campus jobs, for instance T.A. (Teaching Assistant) • Off-campus part-time jobs

  22. Controversial Issues in American Education • Expectations - and disappointments • Current trends – and policy debates: Too much testing? Evaluation of teacher quality Sub-standard schools may lose funding Vouchers for students to choose schools Does competition improve quality?

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