TEACHING IN AMERICA – PART 2:

An Introduction to the

U.S. Educational System

STARTALK Guest Teacher Summer Institute

July 24-25, 2012

It’s Your Turn!

1. Get back in your small groups. 2. Take 10 minutes to review the article you were given

to read on the different types of schools in the U.S. 3. Answer the following questions together as a group:

a. What are the two main categories of schools in the U.S.?

b. What are some specific examples of schools in these categories.

c. What initial similarities and differences do you note between schools in the U.S. and schools in China?

4. Be prepared to share an idea that no other group has shared.

How did you do? Types of Schools in the U.S.

In the United States, children can attend…

1. Public Schools - Students do not pay to attend.

a. Public Charter Schools (Also called “Community Schools”)

b. Public Magnet Schools

2. Private Schools - Students pay tuition to attend.

a. Parochial Schools - Religious focus.

b. Independent Schools - No religious focus or influence.

c. Proprietary Schools - Run for profit / No religious focus.

Elementary School Primary

Middle School Junior High

Pre-School Nursery School

High School Senior High

University / College / Community College

Types & Names of Schools In The U.S.

Pre-K

K – 5/6

6-8, 7-8/9

9-12, 10-12

Post-Secondary

Grade Levels Common Name Other Name

A Typical U.S. Elementary School

A Typical U.S. Middle School

A Typical U.S. High School

• Elementary foreign language classroom

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

Parts of a Typical U.S. School Chinese immersion elementary classroom

• High school foreign language classroom

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• High school science classroom & laboratory

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• A middle school art room

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• A computer laboratory

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• A band/music room

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• A media center / library

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• A cafeteria or commons area

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Student lockers

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Administrative offices

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Principal’s office

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Copy room

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Teacher’s lounge

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

– Departmental offices (high schools)

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Guidance office

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• School auditorium

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Gymnasium

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Playground

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• Football stadium

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

• School bus

Parts of a Typical U.S. School

It’s the Mentors’ Turn!

Listen as the mentor teachers describe their schools, the various programs that exist for students and the resources that are available to members of the school community.

It’s Your Turn!

1. Take a moment or two to reflect on the images you’ve just seen taken from American schools.

2. What did you see that surprised you? That makes you feel excited? Or nervous?

3. Take a few minutes to share your impressions with the members of your earlier group.

BREAK!

Please return promptly in 15 minutes.

Xie xie!