Why is it so tough to get a good primary education in the US? (colleges, county)
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I have met friends who were educated under the British system (in the Caribbean) and they are some of the most intelligent people I have met in life (and I have known lots of smart people having attended a specialized HS in NYC and a Seven Sister college).
Many were poor but they still had access to a quality educational system. They read and write well, do math & science, use logic, know about arts & literature, and many speak two languages. Most of all, their core knowledge prepared them for higher education and work.
In many ways it seems that the British system has high standards but "keeps it simple," and people learn. Students learn a set core of subjects and other practical courses that prepare them for further academic studies. Their competency is based on a exam at the completion of their studies.
Core Subjects
English
Math
Science Other Subjects
Languages
Technology
Humanities
Arts
Those who aren't prepared for further academic studies have state-run vocational programs and don't have to pay high fees to a private school to learn a trade.
To me this is simple and makes sense. Am I missing something? Why can't we take this approach in the US?
That's because they don't have behavior issues in the Caribbean. Any and all nails that stick out will be pounded back in (almost literally).
Honestly? I don't know. Maybe the fact that there's no real discipline in America is a factor. Maybe schools in America are constantly trying to be the top, most innovative school that they don't stick with what works.
I've never seen a lesson taught in the Caribbeans. Heck, I've only seen lessons taught in one county in America. I'm certainly not the most qualified to speak on this subject. Though, I would assume that there's more than just one factor involved in the answer.
That's because they don't have behavior issues in the Caribbean. Any and all nails that stick out will be pounded back in (almost literally).
Honestly? I don't know. Maybe the fact that there's no real discipline in America is a factor. Maybe schools in America are constantly trying to be the top, most innovative school that they don't stick with what works.
I've never seen a lesson taught in the Caribbeans. Heck, I've only seen lessons taught in one county in America. I'm certainly not the most qualified to speak on this subject. Though, I would assume that there's more than just one factor involved in the answer.
I have to agree with this. Other countries are allowed to only educate the best where in the US we have to educate everyone. Also, I don't see any difference in the core learning you posted vs what is required for graduation in our schools.
I have to agree with this. Other countries are allowed to only educate the best where in the US we have to educate everyone. Also, I don't see any difference in the core learning you posted vs what is required for graduation in our schools.
Hi,
From what I understand, reading and math are the core competencies under no child left behind. This is how students and schools are measured and how funding is distributed. The focus on reading and math tests scores has led school systems to eliminate other courses which, IMO, are equally important to a child's growth.
To me this is simple and makes sense. Am I missing something? Why can't we take this approach in the US?
Depends on what area you live. The US is huge compared to other countries, and these days parents are looking for the "good" school districts because they want the kids to have a good education. There are definitely good school districts and of course not so good districts.
Mainly the issue, from my perception, is that of the students' attitude. Of course they also tend to be in poor neighborhoods and possibly have more parental/social issues.
Competitive schools are highly competitive in academics and sports, so the students want to beat their rival schools and students and therefore put in an effort to excel. Clearly this is not the case with all schools.
The high school I went to was a middle class area (with maybe a small percent of lower income parents), but everyone had the same classes available to them. They also had local Vo-tech class you could go to in lieu of class at the high school. It's also one of those districts where former students sometimes show up as the new teachers at the schools.
Mainly the issue, from my perception, is that of the students' attitude. Of course they also tend to be in poor neighborhoods and possibly have more parental/social issues.
I agree that student attitudes and parent involvement are somewhat correlated to social/economic issues but as I stated in my post, my Caribbean friends were poor -- much poorer than the kids here -- and they had a free, quality education. The quest for "good districts" and private schools was of no concern. Perhaps the discipline methods keep kids in line as another poster mentioned.
Quote:
Originally Posted by f_m
The high school I went to was a middle class area (with maybe a small percent of lower income parents), but everyone had the same classes available to them. They also had local Vo-tech class you could go to in lieu of class at the high school. It's also one of those districts where former students sometimes show up as the new teachers at the schools.
That's great and more of what we need. Not every kid will thrive in an academic environment but we all need jobs so why not offer Vo-tech as an option everywhere?
That's great and more of what we need. Not every kid will thrive in an academic environment but we all need jobs so why not offer Vo-tech as an option everywhere?
It depends on the area of the country. In the smaller Midwest areas I would say schools on average are better than what you'd find in urban areas. That's just my opinion. I noticed my HS still offers band, orchestra, PE, Latin, art, etc... now they even have Chinese. I think that cost of living definitely plays a factor, and that smaller cities and towns may be more school supportive.
It depends on the area of the country. In the smaller Midwest areas I would say schools on average are better than what you'd find in urban areas. That's just my opinion. I noticed my HS still offers band, orchestra, PE, Latin, art, etc... now they even have Chinese. I think that cost of living definitely plays a factor, and that smaller cities and towns may be more school supportive.
I agree. We don't have Latin or orchestra at our high school but we have Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Russian (I think that is all of them). Our band program is huge-7 concert bands, 3 jazz bands, several small ensembles and a HUGE national caliber marching band.
Our core requirements for graduation are 4 years English, 4 years Social Studies, 3 years math, 3 years science, credits in music, arts, Economics, Home Ec, 2 years foreign language, 2 years PE. The kids also have a whole host of great electives to choose from (advanced math, science, social, language arts, etc.) along with a full compliment of AP classes. Our state also has the option for juniors and seniors to take classes at the 4 year colleges for free and get dual credit for college and high school. Some kids take this program full time and graduate from high school and start college with enough credits for a junior standing.
I agree. We don't have Latin or orchestra at our high school but we have Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Russian (I think that is all of them). Our band program is huge-7 concert bands, 3 jazz bands, several small ensembles and a HUGE national caliber marching band.
Our core requirements for graduation are 4 years English, 4 years Social Studies, 3 years math, 3 years science, credits in music, arts, Economics, Home Ec, 2 years foreign language, 2 years PE. The kids also have a whole host of great electives to choose from (advanced math, science, social, language arts, etc.) along with a full compliment of AP classes. Our state also has the option for juniors and seniors to take classes at the 4 year colleges for free and get dual credit for college and high school. Some kids take this program full time and graduate from high school and start college with enough credits for a junior standing.
What happens to the kids who fail the core requirements? Are there vo-tech options?
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Have you experienced the British educational system?
