How exactly does the education system work in the US ?

[Lou Queb]

The title says it all, being an alien, I would like to know how education is managed in the US, at the federal level, at the States level etc. Thank you !

[Atman]

1. Education doesn't work in the US

That's the problem.

Oh, and welcome to DU! :hi:

.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

2. half-assed - just like everything else around here. and welcome

to DU :hi:

edited for a half-assed typo ;)

[Warren Stupidity]

3. Primarily funded by local taxes

which means a combination of local property taxes and state income/sales taxes, varying by state. If you live in a well to do suburban community the public schools are generally pretty good. If you don't, they generally suck. The disparity in schools is appalling. The rich of course just send their spawn off to the private schools.

[Lou Queb]

4. So just to get it clear, the federate States take care of education ?

What would be a fair and progressive solution to make education affordable for more people and to improve schools ?

[MADem]

5. It varies by state and municipality. The feds kick in some, but not enough. NT

[JDPriestly]

6. It depends on the state.

School attendance is mandatory until the age of 16. In theory, kindergarten and the first 12 years of school through the high school diploma in public schools are tuition free. Nevertheless, students are asked to pay certain fees and expenses and buy certain equipment, clothing or supplies from time to time.

At about five years old, students attend on the average one year of kindergarten where they learn "numbers," and the alphabet and prepare to learn to read and do arithmetic before entering elementary school. Most students start first grade in elementary school at the age of six. Classes range from 18-35 students, sometimes more. Teachers cooperate more with each other in some schools than in others. Elementary school ends after the fifth or sixth grade when the children are about 11 or 12 years old. Students then matriculate into what is usually either called junior high or middle school until the 9th or 10th grade or years of school when they enroll in high school. After 12 years of school, around the age of 18, they graduate with a high school diploma.

Colleges and universities are not tuition free and select students primarily on the basis of their grades in high school and scores on standardized tests but also on the basis of other considerations such as socio-economic or language challenges.

American public schools are criticized for not providing proper education. In my experience, that criticism is unfounded. I am not a teacher, but from what I have seen, we have good schools. My children went to schools in the U.S. and in Europe. My husband taught in the European schools. I think that we have some of the best teachers in the world.

Beginning American teachers usually must have college degrees and be certified to teach. To obtain their degrees and certification they must have completed not only four years of general and specialized teacher education but practical courses in which the teach in the classroom under the supervision of an experienced, respected teacher. Over the course of their careers, teachers continue to take courses and are, in many school districts and states, required to pass additional examinations in order to qualify for certification.

The problem with American schools is the low esteem in which education and teachers and the work required to learn (anything) are held in our culture. Stars in the fields of movies, TV, sports and popular music are idolized. Learning and the discipline required to be a good student get very little respect in our culture. So, the real problem with our education is not in our schools. It is in our culture. Americans really believe that anyone can get rich, regardless of their education. Many of the wealthiest Americans are not really that well educated.

Our universities are wonderful, but a degree from a top university does not always mean that a person is well educated. Look at George W. Bush. He attended a top eastern boarding school and top universities, but he apparently did not apply himself, does not value learning and is one of the most foolish, least educated presidents we have ever had. It's not the fault of the schools he attended. It's his family, his values, his choices that are to blame.

[MasonJar]

7. As a teacher almost ready to retire, I can attest to the fact that US

students in general see no value in education (except perhaps to make more money.) When children are encouraged to learn for learning's sake by parents and the almighty media, US education will improve and not until. There are many good teachers, but they are stymied by the stone wall of "inconsistent parental appreciation of the value of education" and the computer/boob tube mania. If nothing is demanded or even expected, few students will energize themselves.