American Social Problems

Ch 3: Problems of Education

Chapter Overview

I. Objectives

II. Introductory Quiz

III. Definitions

IV. What are the problems?

V. What are the solutions?

VI. What about next week’s lesson?

I. Objectives

A. Understand how and why education is changing

B. Identify and discuss major American educational problems

C. Identify and discuss solutions to specific educational problems

D. Discuss the sociological perspectives of educational problems and their solutions.

II. Introductory Quiz

1. The increasing level of education in America was a major

cause of its economic growth in the 20th century.

True

2. The best predictor of achievement in school is social

class.

True

3. The amount of money spent per student has little direct effect on

educational achievement.

True

4. African Americans are the most segregated group of students in

America today.

False

5. Men receive more education than women in the U.S.

False

6. About one in every nine Americans is functionally illiterate.

True

7. Changes in American family structures are causing major

problems in education.

True

8. Programs such as Head Start and Title I have good, lasting

effects on most of its students.

False

9. A school’s most important asset is the quality and dedication of its

teachers.

True, according to the book.

10. Americans have a lot of faith in education but generally don’t seem

to value learning very highly.

True

11. One of the functions of education is reducing

unemployment by keeping most young people out of the labor

market.

True

12. Japanese students educated in Japan are better critical thinkers

than Americans educated in America.

False

13. Some sociologists think that holding school 12 to 14 hours daily, year-round, will improve the stability

of families.

True

III. DefinitionsStandard English

Ebonics

Prep schools

Cultural capital

III. Definitions (cont.)

Segregated schools

De facto segregation

De jure segregation

Desegregation

Resegregation

III. Definitions (cont.)

Sexism

Authoritarianism

Goal displacement

Hidden curriculum

Functionally illiterate

III. Definitions (cont.)

Compensatory education programs

Magnet schools

Affirmative action program

Voucher system

Home schooling

Latent function

IV. What are the Problems?

A. You Tell Me

B. Reality Check

V. What are the Solutions?

A. The Big Debate

B. Tying up loose ends

VI. What About Next Week?