12. The American Education system (ages, funding, levels, goals of education, rules for students)

Question 1

The Grading Curve Process

Answer 1

First Step: Everyone takes the same test, and the professor will then grade it based on raw scores (like 98%, 85%, 75%, etc.). But here’s the twist—they don’t just assign grades based on those scores right away.

The Distribution: The professor looks at how all the students performed on the test. For example, if most of the class got A’s (say, 90% or above), that’s a sign that the test might have been too easy. But if everyone did badly, then the test could be too hard. The goal is to create a bell curve where:

Only a small number of students get A’s.
A large number of students are in the middle range (let’s say B’s or C’s).
And a smaller group of students get D’s or F’s at the bottom.
Curving the Scores: After seeing how the scores are distributed, the professor adjusts the scores, usually to fit a certain pre-determined grade distribution. For example:

The top 5% might get an A.
The next 10-20% might get a B.
Then another chunk of students will get C’s, and so on.
What Happens to the 98%: If you got 98% on the test, but the overall class did really well, the professor might say, “Okay, based on the curve, 98% will only get you a B because the rest of the class did even better.” It’s not about your absolute performance, but how you did compared to everyone else.

Scaling or Adjusting Scores: Sometimes, the professor can add points to everyone’s score to make sure there’s a more favorable distribution. This can help bring people up from, say, a low C to a B if there’s a general sense that the test was too hard. But again, the ranking is still a big part of the curve.

Question 2

What is the age range for Preschool education?

Answer 2

Ages 2.5-4.5
Non-compulsory, classroom-based early childhood education.
◦
Focus: socialization, motor skills, and basic cognitive development.
◦
Head Start Program (1965): Federally funded, supports low-income families

Non-compulsory, classroom-based early childhood education. Includes programs like Head Start.

Question 3

What is the focus of Pre-Kindergarten education?

Answer 3

Readiness for Kindergarten, including pre-reading and numeracy skills.

Question 4

At what age does Primary Education begin?

Answer 4

Age 5-6 (Kindergarten)

Question 5

What subjects are emphasized in Grades 1-5/6 of Primary Education?

Answer 5

• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Social Studies

Question 6

What is the age range for Middle School/Junior High?

Answer 6

Ages 11-14

Question 7

What grades does High School encompass?

Answer 7

Grades 9-12, Ages 14-18

Question 8

What is the structure of compulsory education in the U.S.?

Answer 8

Mandatory from ages 5-8 to 16-18, varying by state.

Question 9

What percentage of students were enrolled in public schools in 2013?

Answer 9

87%

Question 10

What are the two main types of institutions for Optional Higher Education?

Answer 10

• Community/Junior College
• Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Question 11

What grading system is typically used in U.S. schools?

Answer 11

Percentages converted to letter grades: A+ (Excellent) → F (Fail)

Question 12

What is the key metric for academic performance in schools?

Answer 12

GPA (Grade Point Average)

Question 13

What is the role of the U.S. Department of Education?

Answer 13

Exists but has no authority over individual schools.

Question 14

What percentage of education funding comes from federal grants?

Answer 14

Approx. 8-8.5%

Question 15

What is the main source of funding for education in wealthier districts?

Answer 15

Property taxes

Question 16

What is the purpose of Pell Grants?

Answer 16

Federal subsidies for low-income students that do not need to be repaid.

Question 17

What is the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act aimed at?

Answer 17

Improving outcomes for disadvantaged students through standards-based reforms.

Question 18

What did the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) achieve?

Answer 18

Replaced NCLB, reducing the federal government’s role and giving states more control.

Question 19

What is the focus of the Common Core State Standards Initiative?

Answer 19

Establishing consistent benchmarks for K-12 students in English and math.

Question 20

What is a key goal of the U.S. educational system?

Answer 20

Universal Literacy

Question 21

What is required for students regarding attendance in the U.S. education system?

Answer 21

Compulsory attendance until a specified age, typically 16-18.

Question 22

What are the consequences of academic dishonesty in U.S. schools?

Answer 22

Severe penalties, including expulsion.

Question 23

What cultural aspect contrasts the American education system with others?

Answer 23

Ownership of knowledge and rigorous citation practices.

Question 24

What role do parents play in the American education system?

Answer 24

Active involvement in homework, assignments, and extracurricular events.

Question 25

What is a significant characteristic of the American education system?

Answer 25

Decentralized structure with local control.

Question 26

What is a common criticism of the U.S. education system?

Answer 26

Underfunding and competition with other public services.

Question 27

What is the impact of socioeconomic disparities on education?

Answer 27

Wealthier areas have better-funded schools and resources.

Question 28

What is an important focus of U.S. education regarding student development?

Answer 28

Encouraging critical thinking and independent inquiry.

Question 29

What is emphasized in the curriculum for well-rounded individuals?

Answer 29

• Math
• Science
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Foreign Languages

Question 30

What cultural value is often prioritized over theoretical learning in the U.S.?

Answer 30

Practicality

Question 31

What is education pursued solely for knowledge called?

Answer 31

Education for its own sake

This concept contrasts with cultures where learning for its own sake is deeply respected.

Question 32

What challenges do teachers often face regarding their status?

Answer 32

Low pay and status

Although public perception of their prestige has improved slightly in recent decades.

Question 33

How is student status perceived in the U.S. education system?

Answer 33

Students are not granted significant social respect

This is true even at advanced levels due to the ubiquity of education.

Question 34

What are some funding challenges faced by education?

Answer 34

Competes for funding with other priorities

Education remains chronically underfunded in many states.

Question 35

What leads to unequal resources between school districts?

Answer 35

Disparities in wealth

This perpetuates systemic inequities.

Question 36

What political influences shape school curricula?

Answer 36

Ideological battles

These include debates over representation of women and minorities, sex education, and voucher programs.

Question 37

What current issue involves balancing multicultural education?

Answer 37

Addressing the representation of marginalized groups

This is crucial in ensuring an inclusive curriculum.

Question 38

What is necessary to ensure funding equity in education?

Answer 38

Bridging gaps between wealthier and poorer districts

This is essential for providing equal educational opportunities.

Question 39

What support is needed for English Language Learners (ELLs)?

Answer 39

Policies and resources that promote inclusion

This is crucial for their academic success.

Question 40

What is a challenge in balancing education types?

Answer 40

General versus specialized education

This balance is important as societal needs evolve.

Question 41

What practices are promoted for students with special needs?

Answer 41

Inclusive practices

Resources and attitudes toward inclusion vary widely.

Question 42

Preschool

Answer 42

Ages: 2.5-4.5 years old.
◦
Non-compulsory, classroom-based early childhood education.
◦
Focus: socialization, motor skills, and basic cognitive development

Head Start Program: Correctly noted, it is a federally funded program supporting low-income families and includes services like education, health, nutrition, and parental involvement.

Question 43

Pre-Kindergarten

Answer 43

Ages: 4-5 years old.
◦
Non-compulsory but increasingly common as a transitional year before Kindergarten.
◦
Focus: readiness for Kindergarten, including pre-reading and numeracy skills.

Question 44

all levels of primary education

Answer 44

Kindergarten
Elementary School

Question 45

all levels of secondary education

Answer 45

middle school/junior high
high school

Question 46

Kindergarten

Answer 46

Ages: 5-6 years old.
◦
First formal grade of primary education.
◦
Emphasis on foundational skills like literacy, numeracy, and classroom behavior.

Question 47

Elementary School

Answer 47

Grades: 1-5 or 1-6.
◦
Ages: 6-11 years old.
◦
Core subjects: Math, reading, science, and social studies.
◦
Lasts 5-6 years depending on the state.

Question 48

Middle School/Junior High

Answer 48

Grades: 6-8.
◦
Ages: 11-14 years old.
◦
Middle School: focuses on integrated, team-based teaching.
◦
Junior High: mimics high school structure with subject-specific teachers.
◦
No major quality difference; terminology varies by state or district

Middle School is more like Szt. Imre, same classroom mostly, same class mostly
Junior High is more like EGA just lower grades, that you move between classes and more class division like having classes together from Class A, B, C, D

Question 49

High School

Answer 49

Grades: 9-12.
◦
Ages: 14-18 years old.
◦
Core subjects: Math, English, science, social studies, and electives.
◦
Focus: Preparing for higher education or the workforce.
◦
Graduation: Achieved upon earning sufficient credits (specific to state requirements)

Question 50

Community/Junior College

Answer 50

Associate Degree, 2 years.
◦
Two tracks: Workforce preparation or academic transfer to 4-year institutions.
◦
Often publicly funded

Question 51

What is a Community/Junior College?

Answer 51

A 2-year institution offering Associate Degrees, focused on workforce preparation or academic transfer to 4-year universities. Often publicly funded.

Question 52

What are the two main tracks in Community/Junior Colleges?

Answer 52

1. Workforce preparation
2. Academic transfer to 4-year institutions.

Question 53

What types of degrees do Four-Year Colleges and Universities offer?
How are Four-Year Colleges and Universities categorized?

Answer 53

Bachelor’s Degrees, typically completed in 4 years. These institutions can be private (mostly non-profit) or public.
By being either private (non-profit) or public institutions.

Question 54

What are the two types of degrees offered at Graduate Schools?

Answer 54

1. Master’s Degree (1-2 years)
2. Doctoral Degree (4+ years)

Question 55

Mandatory Ages:

Answer 55

Education is mandatory from ages 5-8 to 16-18, depending on the state.

Question 56

Levels of Compulsory Education

Answer 56

Elementary School: Grades K-5/6.
◦
Middle/Junior High School: Grades 6/7-8.
◦
High School: Grades 9-12.

Question 57

Enrollment Data (2013)

Answer 57

◦
87% in public schools (state-funded).
◦
10% in private schools.
◦
3% homeschooled

Question 58

After Kindergarten, the 2 routes

Answer 58

• Elementary School (8 years) → High School (4 years)
• Elementary School (6 years) → Junior High (3 years) → Senior High (3 years)

Question 59

Grading System

Answer 59

Grading: Typically uses percentages, converted to letter grades (A+ to F).
*
GPA (Grade Point Average): Key metric for academic performance.
*
Note: Grading standards vary between schools, which can impact GPA interpretation. Some institutions use grading curves, limiting the number of top grades.

Question 60

Funding Challenges

Answer 60

Competition for Public Funds: Education competes with other public services.
* Inequality of Funding:
◦ Wealthier districts have well-funded schools, better resources, and higher teacher salaries.
◦ Poorer/Rural districts face teacher shortages, fewer programs, and inadequate facilities due to lower property taxes.
◦ Schools in wealthier areas tend to perform better, perpetuating socioeconomic inequalities.

Question 61

Federal Role in Education

Answer 61

Limited Authority:
◦
Federal government’s influence increased post-1960s but remains minimal.
◦
The U.S. Department of Education has no authority over individual schools.
*
Federal Education Laws:
◦
Guarantee equal access to education and protection of constitutional rights for students and teachers.
*
Key Acts:
◦
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, 2001: Aimed to improve outcomes for disadvantaged students, focused on annual testing and teacher qualifications, but was criticized for promoting “teaching to the test”.
◦
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), 2015: Replaced NCLB, giving states more control over standards and accountability, retained standardized testing but allowed more flexibility

Question 62

What are the primary challenges in public education funding?

Answer 62

Competition for Public Funds: Education competes with healthcare, infrastructure, etc. Politicians often promise more funding but don’t prioritize it.
Inequality of Funding: Wealthier districts have higher property taxes, resulting in better resources, while poorer districts face shortages in teachers and programs.

Question 63

How do funding disparities affect school performance?

Answer 63

Schools in wealthier areas perform better due to more resources, perpetuating socioeconomic inequalities. A proposed solution is wealth redistribution to equalize funding.

Question 64

What are the three main types of student loans?

Answer 64

Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDSLP): Managed by the Department of Education.
Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP): Managed by banks and private entities.
Private Loans: Used when federal loans are insufficient.

Question 65

What are Pell Grants and who do they benefit?

Answer 65

Pell Grants are federal subsidies for low-income students, do not need to be repaid, and are available to undergraduates and some post-baccalaureate students.

Question 66

Describe the federal government’s role in education.

Answer 66

The federal government has limited authority but influences through laws guaranteeing equal access and protecting constitutional rights. Key acts include the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Question 67

What were the main features and criticisms of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act?

Answer 67

NCLB aimed to improve outcomes through standards-based reforms with annual testing and progress reports. It was criticized for encouraging “teaching to the test” and imposing penalties on failing schools.

Question 68

How did the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) change federal involvement in education?

Answer 68

ESSA reduced federal control, giving more authority to states over standards and accountability while retaining standardized testing but allowing more flexibility.

Question 69

What responsibilities do state governments have in education?

Answer 69

States set overall educational standards, supervise colleges, manage K-12 standardized tests, and approve textbooks. However, policies and resources vary, causing differences in quality.

Question 70

How do local governments contribute to education?

Answer 70

Local governments administer and finance schools. Wealthier communities allocate more resources, leading to educational inequities.

Question 71

What are the key federal programs and standards in education?

Answer 71

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): Evaluates state and district performance.
Common Core State Standards Initiative: Sets consistent K-12 benchmarks in English and math to prepare students for college and careers.

Question 72

What criticisms have been raised against the Common Core State Standards Initiative?

Answer 72

Criticisms include textbooks not reflecting true standards and the initiative being too closely linked to standardized tests despite its goals of fostering critical thinking.

Question 73

Private Education

Answer 73

Private Schools:
◦
Funded by tuition and non-governmental sources.
◦
Have autonomy over curriculum and staffing policies.

Question 74

Goals of Education

Answer 74

Inclusive Philosophy: Emphasizes access for all, contrasting with systems designed to exclude.
*
Universal Literacy: Compulsory education until 16-18 years old, aiming for 100% literacy (though not fully achieved).
*
Equal Opportunity:
◦
Diverse representation in classrooms.
◦
Programs for equity, including financial aid, disability services, and resources for minorities.

Question 75

types of knowledge and attitudes it gives

Answer 75

Local Control: Decentralized structure with state and local oversight, managed by local boards of education.
*
Parental Involvement: Active role expected, including assisting with homework and participating in school events.
*
Analysis and Synthesis: Focus on critical thinking, exploration, and independent inquiry.
*
Well-Rounded Individuals: General education requirements and emphasis on extracurricular activities.

Question 76

Rules for Students and Attitudes

Answer 76

Compulsory Attendance: Must attend school until a specified age (16-18, varying by state).
*
Grading Systems: Competitive structures with potential grading curves.
*
Academic Honesty: Strict policies on plagiarism and cheating, valuing intellectual property.
*
Student-Teacher Relationships: Teachers are approachable, but students are encouraged to be self-reliant.
*
Student-Student Relationships: Emphasis on individual achievement can limit cooperation.
*
Extracurricular Activities: Participation is encouraged for developing a well-rounded character.

Question 77

Cultural Differences

Answer 77

Collaboration and Communication: American students prioritize direct communication and relationship-building.
*
Focus on Practicality: Emphasizes breadth and practical application over theoretical depth.
*
Ownership of Knowledge: Strict citation practices, treating written ideas as intellectual property.

Question 78

Anti-Intellectualism

Answer 78

Bias Against Intellectual Pursuits: Preference for pre-professional fields (e.g., business, engineering) over arts and humanities.
*
Lack of Societal Reverence: Devaluation of education pursued solely for knowledge.

Question 79

What are the key components of Joe Biden’s student loan relief programs?

Answer 79

Forgiveness: Up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for others.
Income Limit: Available for individuals earning less than $125,000 per year.
Payment Pause: Extended pause on federal loan payments with 0% interest.
Public Service: Simplified forgiveness for public service workers.

Question 80

What are the criticisms of Biden’s student loan relief programs?

Answer 80

Scope: Critics argue that the relief is insufficient for those with high debt or no degree.
Economic Impact: Concerns about the potential inflationary effects of widespread forgiveness.
Legal Challenges: Some of the relief efforts, especially the broad forgiveness plan, have faced legal challenges, questioning the president’s authority to cancel debt without congressional approval.

Question 81

What were the goals of education in Colonial History in America?

Answer 81

The goals were to provide religious-oriented instruction primarily to upper-class children in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Schools like the Latin Grammar Schools prepared boys from high social standing for leadership roles and college entrance, focusing on reading, writing, arithmetic, and religious studies using Bibles, primers, and hornbooks.

Question 82

What was the purpose of public education established by educational reformers in the 1840s?

Answer 82

The purpose was to create a free public education system open to children of all genders and social classes, free of religious bias. It aimed to train students as skilled workers while teaching core academic disciplines, fostering better citizens and a culturally uniform American society.

Question 83

How did the first secondary schools in the 1600s in America function, and what was their focus?

Answer 83

The first secondary schools were Latin grammar schools, publicly paid for, preparing students from wealthy families to enter Harvard College. They focused on teaching Greek and Latin for reading classical texts and literature.

Question 84

Why did Benjamin Franklin start an alternative type of American secondary school, and what was its focus?

Answer 84

Franklin started an alternative school to meet the demand for technical and contemporary knowledge. It was focused on teaching current skills and information to ordinary students, rather than classical languages and texts.

Question 85

How did the progressive principles of education in the 1890s change the goals of the American educational system?

Answer 85

The progressive approach aimed to meet the needs of a diversifying population by teaching critical thinking skills, engaging students in a child-centered curriculum, and combining traditional academic learning with vocational training. This was to better prepare citizens for active participation in community life.

Question 86

What are some of the broader goals of education, according to the progressive educational approach?

Answer 86

The broader goals include job preparation, active civic participation, and leading a full life by nurturing artistic, imaginative, and creative aspects alongside traditional academic and vocational training.