America- Education as an Inequality Flashcards
What are some general statements which can be made about educational inequality in the US?
It is widespread and perhaps the root cause of additional inequalities as many students underachieve and will struggle to get good jobs
Name 2 schemes which have been set up to tackle the issue of Educational inequality
Public charter schools are being set up all over America
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2012, which has provided 77 billion dollars to reform and strengthen elementary and secondary education
What is a charter school?
Essentially an independently run public school, which is granted greater flexibility in their operations in return for greater accountability of performance.
If these schools don’t meet performance goals then they may face closure
Who funds charter schools?
The government
What do charter schools allow the parents to do?
Have greater choice in schooling for their children, they are also often run using fresh teaching ideas to engage better with the children and give them a better chance of academic success
What are charter schools unable to do?
They are unable to discriminate against a child due to their race, gender or disability so every parent arguably has the opportunity to send their child to a charter school if they wish
What are the disadvantages of charter schools? Name 4
They are less secure than public schools, if they are mismanaged or test scores are poor they can be shut down
Some may also have narrow curriculums, with inexperienced teachers if the charter is cutting costs.
There is a lack of transparency and accountability as this is a relatively new system, so educational inequality is not entirely eradicated
There are long waiting lists for certain charter schools, may also be the case that the best are only in certain areas meaning the rich and those able to move get the best education
What are the aims of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2012?
It aims to ensure all schools have highly qualified teachers, and includes 33 billion dollars to address college affordability and improve access to higher education
Is the American Recovery and Reinvestment working?
It’s effectiveness is questionable as it still seems to be wealthier areas where education is more successful.
Where does the money to operate schools come from?
Half of the money to operate schools comes from the state, the other half is raised through local property sales and tax.
How does the way money for schools is raised impact on education?
The communities with higher property values have more money and can provide high qualities facilities while poorer districts find it hard to even fund the basics
What can we conclude overall about education as an inequality?
Educational inequality in America is still a major issue.
The schemes have not, to any great extent, reduced this as only 5% of Americans (25-34 years old) whose parents didn’t finish high school have a collage degree. This shows even with the introduction of various government schemes inequality in this area is much the same as 30 years ago, showing a lack of government success
