Overview of American Education for Embassy Presentation

8/15/2019 Overview of American Education for Embassy Presentation

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Overview TopicsOverview Topics

Overview of the U.S. Educational System:

o The roles of federal, state and local government:

o Financing of education (who is responsible for what)

o Numbers (students, teachers in the school system)

o school calendar

o Types of school (public, private, charter, religious, other)

o Grades/ages

o Community involvement in education

o Certification for administrators, teacherso Training opportunities

o Student Assessment


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Federal, State and Local GovernmentFederal, State and Local Government

U.S. Department of Education - federal regulations related to TitleMandates – tied to funding (3 – 5% of school budgets):•Equal rights for women – Title IX

•Support for at-risk children and families – Title I

•IDEA – 504 and Special Education

State Education Agency– Constitutional right for states to regulateeducation – funding coordination to school districts (95% of budget to

dist)

•State Commissioner appointed by governor

•Elected state board of education oversees state curriculum,

testing requirements, personnel regulations (retirement)

Local District – Elected school boards of 7 – 9 members

•Hire/evaluate the superintendent

•Budget oversight – distribution of funds to schools, salary

schedules for employees, etc.


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The politics and economics ofThe politics and economics of

education in the U.S.education in the U.S.

Political debatePolitical debate ““No Child Left Behind” – data driven environmentNo Child Left Behind” – data driven environment School choiceSchool choice

Private school vouchersPrivate school vouchersSources of fundingSources of funding FederalFederal StateState

Local school districtLocal school district Private fundsPrivate funds Schools receive a combination of fundsSchools receive a combination of funds Funding may be de-centralizedFunding may be de-centralized


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AGE GRADE

Preschool/Kindergarten

Priar!#chool

Doctoral Degree$3%6 !ears& Ph'D'

(igh #chool $4 !ears&

)iddle #chool $*+nior (igh& $3 !ears&

A)ER,-A. ED-A,.A ##E)

Eleentar! #chool $5 !ears&

-o+nit! -ollege $2 o' % 2 !ears&

-ollege/niersit! $4 !ears&ndergrad+ate Degree 'A' '#'

)asters Degree

$2%3 !ears&

#econdar!#chool

Grad+ate#chool

Post%#econdar!#chool


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Side-by side Comparison


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School Choice in AmericaSchool Choice in America

Public vs. Private EducationPublic vs. Private EducationDo you know how these education options differ?Do you know how these education options differ? Public schoolsPublic schools

Charter schools (state or district)Charter schools (state or district)

Magnet schools (district schools of choice)Magnet schools (district schools of choice) Private schools (religious, for profit, non-profit)Private schools (religious, for profit, non-profit) Compulsory educationCompulsory education(Kinder or 1(Kinder or 1stst to graduation)to graduation) High school diploma vs. G.E.D.High school diploma vs. G.E.D. Home schoolHome school 49.5 million public school students and 3.1 million49.5 million public school students and 3.1 millionteachersteachers

Approximately 6 million students in private (ies)Approximately 6 million students in private (ies)


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Alternative forms of EducationAlternative forms of Education

Virtual School – popular in rural areas, high school credit recovery andVirtual School – popular in rural areas, high school credit recovery andstudents who need more flexible schedulesstudents who need more flexible schedules

Home schoolingHome schooling In 2007, approximately 1.5 million children were homeIn 2007, approximately 1.5 million children were home

schooled: 2.9% of all children. schooled: 2.9% of all children.

Often associated with religious groups.Often associated with religious groups. Private Schools/Private AcademiesPrivate Schools/Private Academies

Funded solely by student tuition.Funded solely by student tuition. May offer more specialized courses or special needs.May offer more specialized courses or special needs.

Parochial SchoolParochial School Run by church organizations.Run by church organizations. Funded by student tuition and petitioner contributions.Funded by student tuition and petitioner contributions.

Charter SchoolCharter School Funded by both private funds and public funds.Funded by both private funds and public funds. Stricter control over enrollment (entry and continued)Stricter control over enrollment (entry and continued)


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Educator Credentialing and hiringEducator Credentialing and hiring

TeachersTeachersBachelor’s Degree (4 yr) plus state exam for grade level or content level.Bachelor’s Degree (4 yr) plus state exam for grade level or content level.Additional certifications may be added by coursework and exam in SpecialAdditional certifications may be added by coursework and exam in SpecialEducation, English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Bilingual, etc.Education, English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Bilingual, etc.

Depending on the state, may be unionized to advocate for benefits andDepending on the state, may be unionized to advocate for benefits andsalariessalariesUsually hired by principal and/or committee of school stakeholdersUsually hired by principal and/or committee of school stakeholdersAppraisals of performance based on student achievementAppraisals of performance based on student achievementUsually one year contractsUsually one year contracts

Some states offer tenure to highly effective teachersSome states offer tenure to highly effective teachersRetirement benefits vary by stateRetirement benefits vary by stateNot paid during summerNot paid during summer


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AdministratorsAdministrators

PrincipalsPrincipals require teacher credential PLUS minimum 3 years experience as arequire teacher credential PLUS minimum 3 years experience as ateacher, master’s degree, state examteacher, master’s degree, state examDepending on the state, may be unionized to advocate for benefits and salariesDepending on the state, may be unionized to advocate for benefits and salariesUsually hired by superintendent and/or committee of school stakeholdersUsually hired by superintendent and/or committee of school stakeholdersAppraisals of performance based on student achievement, surveys, disciplineAppraisals of performance based on student achievement, surveys, disciplinereferralsreferralsUsually one year contractsUsually one year contracts

SuperintendentsSuperintendents may require teacher credential PLUS principal credentials PLUSmay require teacher credential PLUS principal credentials PLUSsuperintendent examsuperintendent examNot unionizedNot unionizedUsually hired by local school board of trusteesUsually hired by local school board of trusteesAppraisals of performance based on district data, budget and communityAppraisals of performance based on district data, budget and communitysatisfactionsatisfactionUsually 1 to 3 year contracts – characteristically high turnover ratesUsually 1 to 3 year contracts – characteristically high turnover rates


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Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development

Training opportunities provided by the schoolTraining opportunities provided by the schooldistrict during the day or afterschooldistrict during the day or afterschool

Many offered on-line to be completed duringMany offered on-line to be completed during

teacher planning time or afterschoolteacher planning time or afterschool Early dismissal days throughout the year for PDEarly dismissal days throughout the year for PDand/or parent conferencesand/or parent conferences

Graduate degrees pursued and paid for byGraduate degrees pursued and paid for byteacher – not subsidizedteacher – not subsidized

National teacher certification -National teacher certification -http://www.nbpts.org/http://www.nbpts.org/ National principal certification –National principal certification –pilot discontinuedpilot discontinued


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American Primary/Elementary Schools•Public Elementary School teachers instruct between 20-30 students

of diverse learning needs.•A typical classroom will include children with a range of learning needs

or abilities, from those identified as having special needs (special education) to

students non-native English speakers (ESL students).

•Each local school district provides textbooks to give to the students for each

subject, and brief overviews of what the teacher are expected to teach.•Learning standards are identified for all areas of a curriculum by individual

States, including those for mathematics, social studies, science, physical

development, the fine arts, and reading.

•Elementary School teachers are trained with emphases on human cognitive and

psychological development and the principles of curriculum development and

instruction.

•Teachers typically earn either a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Early

Childhood and Elementary Education.

•Certification standards for teachers are determined by individual states.


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Typical Day of an American Elementary School TeacherTypical Day of an American Elementary School Teacher

A typical teacher works 8 hours, 5 days a week, at the same school.A typical teacher works 8 hours, 5 days a week, at the same school.

[August/September-June][August/September-June]

Federal Holidays and summer vacations off from work.Federal Holidays and summer vacations off from work.

Primary school teachers may teach the same group of students (20-30 students)Primary school teachers may teach the same group of students (20-30 students)

for the full day or the campus may be departmentalized – usually at testingfor the full day or the campus may be departmentalized – usually at testing

grades (3grades (3rdrd

and up)and up) Courses include: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.Courses include: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.

Teachers have one (40-45 minute) planning period during the day.Teachers have one (40-45 minute) planning period during the day.

Students receive classes from a different teacher—Music, Art, Gym (sports),Students receive classes from a different teacher—Music, Art, Gym (sports),

Drama, Chorus, etc. during the teacher’s planning periodDrama, Chorus, etc. during the teacher’s planning period

Teachers meet weekly during the day to discuss students and curriculum calledTeachers meet weekly during the day to discuss students and curriculum called

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

Teachers must have one lunch break (30 minute) during the day.Teachers must have one lunch break (30 minute) during the day.

Many teachers stay after school to participate in extracurricular activities forMany teachers stay after school to participate in extracurricular activities for

students or provide additional teaching time.students or provide additional teaching time.


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American Secondary Schools: Middle SchoolAmerican Secondary Schools: Middle School

Middle School include the 6Middle School include the 6thth – 8– 8thth grades betweengrades between

elementary school and senior high school.elementary school and senior high school.

At this time, students are given more independence:At this time, students are given more independence:

Having different teachers for each subjects.Having different teachers for each subjects.Taking on more independent homeworkTaking on more independent homework

assignments and projects.assignments and projects.

Moving to different classrooms for differentMoving to different classrooms for different

subjectssubjects

being allowed to choose some of their class being allowed to choose some of their class

subjects (electives).subjects (electives).


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American Secondary Schools: High SchoolAmerican Secondary Schools: High School

High school - 9th through 12th grade.High school - 9th through 12th grade.

The students in these grades are classified as:The students in these grades are classified as:

Freshmen (grade 9)Freshmen (grade 9)

Sophomores (grade 10)Sophomores (grade 10)

Juniors (grade 11) Juniors (grade 11) Seniors (grade 12)Seniors (grade 12)

Students are encouraged to pursue a concentration in aStudents are encouraged to pursue a concentration in a

specific area of study in preparation for collegespecific area of study in preparation for college

Early college options allow students to earn collegeEarly college options allow students to earn college

credits simultaneouslycredits simultaneously

Vocational programs provide certifications for graduationVocational programs provide certifications for graduation


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High School CurriculumHigh School Curriculum Students take a broad variety of classesStudents take a broad variety of classes

Curricula vary widely in quality and rigidityCurricula vary widely in quality and rigidity Some states consider 65 (on a 100-point scale) a passing grade, whileSome states consider 65 (on a 100-point scale) a passing grade, while

others consider it to be as low as 60 or as high as 75.others consider it to be as low as 60 or as high as 75.

Varied tracks to graduation include Advanced Placement (AP) courses whichVaried tracks to graduation include Advanced Placement (AP) courses which

result in graduation plans with higher GPAsresult in graduation plans with higher GPAs

End of Course exams required to earn credit toward graduationEnd of Course exams required to earn credit toward graduation Mandatory subjects are required in nearly all U.S. high schools:Mandatory subjects are required in nearly all U.S. high schools:

Science (3 years of biology, chemistry and physics)Science (3 years of biology, chemistry and physics)

Mathematics (4 years of algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, statistics, andMathematics (4 years of algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, statistics, and

calculus)calculus)

English (4 years of literature, humanities, composition, etc.)English (4 years of literature, humanities, composition, etc.)

Social sciences (3 years world and U.S. history, gov./economics)Social sciences (3 years world and U.S. history, gov./economics)

Physical education (4 years)Physical education (4 years)

Many states require a "health" course (anatomy, first aid, sexuality,Many states require a "health" course (anatomy, first aid, sexuality,

birth control) birth control)


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Extracurricular Activities in American SchoolsExtracurricular Activities in American Schools A major characteristic of American schools is the high priority given to sports, clubsA major characteristic of American schools is the high priority given to sports, clubs

and activitiesand activities

Extracurricular activities are educational activities not falling within the scope of theExtracurricular activities are educational activities not falling within the scope of the

regular curriculum but under the supervision of the school.regular curriculum but under the supervision of the school.

These activities can extend to large amounts of time outside the normal school dayThese activities can extend to large amounts of time outside the normal school day

and include:and include:

Sports Programs—Football, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Wrestling,Sports Programs—Football, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Wrestling,Cheerleading, Rowing, Dance, etc.Cheerleading, Rowing, Dance, etc.

Performing Arts—orchestra bands, jazz bands, marching bands, choirs,Performing Arts—orchestra bands, jazz bands, marching bands, choirs,

school plays/drama clubs/musicalsschool plays/drama clubs/musicals

Debate teams, Student Government, Public Awareness Organizations,Debate teams, Student Government, Public Awareness Organizations,

Various Clubs (Poetry Club, Photography Club, etc.)Various Clubs (Poetry Club, Photography Club, etc.) Language clubs (primarily Spanish and French clubs)Language clubs (primarily Spanish and French clubs)

Cultural activitiesCultural activities

Many parents pay for lessons and activities to supplement their children’s edcuation.Many parents pay for lessons and activities to supplement their children’s edcuation.


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Social Issues in American EducationSocial Issues in American Education

EnglEnglish Acquisitionish Acquisition

Debate on how to best accommodate for non-EnglishDebate on how to best accommodate for non-English

speaking students and parent interest in foreign languagespeaking students and parent interest in foreign languageinstruction.instruction.

ESL programs vs. Bilingual programsESL programs vs. Bilingual programs Dual Language ProgramsDual Language Programs

Common CoreCommon Core- Nationwide Education Content and Education- Nationwide Education Content and EducationQualityQuality

Different content, grade systems and qualityDifferent content, grade systems and quality

Textbook Review and AdoptionTextbook Review and Adoption Other IssuesOther Issues

Education regarding violence, sex and drug abuseEducation regarding violence, sex and drug abuse GLBTQ – Social issues and integrationGLBTQ – Social issues and integration Support students who are workingSupport students who are working


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Common Core States


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Post-secondary EducationPost-secondary Education

OptionsOptions Public/private universities and collegesPublic/private universities and colleges

Community colleges and vocationalCommunity colleges and vocational

schoolsschools Rising Cost of Tuition for higherRising Cost of Tuition for highereducation/school loanseducation/school loans


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Cost of Higher EducationCost of Higher Education

CNN/Money reported tuition hikes in 2004/05CNN/Money reported tuition hikes in 2004/05


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Student AssessmentStudent Assessment

• Cost to taxpayers – Big business as statesCost to taxpayers – Big business as statesout-source testing administration/scoringout-source testing administration/scoringto private companiesto private companies

• Preparation for the test diminishesPreparation for the test diminishes

students and teachers as peoplestudents and teachers as people• Need for accountability and equityNeed for accountability and equity

• Tremendous stress in children contributingTremendous stress in children contributingto mental health issuesto mental health issues

• Educators leaving the professionEducators leaving the profession


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Community Involvement in EducationCommunity Involvement in Education

• Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) orParent-Teacher Association (PTA) orParent-Teacher Organization (PTO)Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

• Site-based Decision-Making CommitteeSite-based Decision-Making Committee

(SDMC)(SDMC)• Booster ClubsBooster Clubs

• Fundraising – festivals, raffles, salesFundraising – festivals, raffles, sales

• School Boards elected to oversee districtSchool Boards elected to oversee districtschoolsschools


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Garden Oaks Montessori•

Pre-Kindergarten (3 yr olds to 8th

grade)•780 students

•7:45am – 3:00pm (extended day 7:15am to 6pm)

•Free breakfast and dinner

•Sliding scale lunch

•Welcoming Schools campus of Excellence

•National Magnet School of Distinction

•Robotics, library, music, physical education, computer lab,

science lab, gardens

•Video of MSAP grant work


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Thank you!

Lindsey Pollock, Ed. D.Garden Oaks Montessori, Houston Independent School District

[email protected]

(713) 822-2274
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

Documents

Overview of American Education for Embassy Presentation