USA ( SUMMARY PRESENTATION 3)

THE EDUCATION, A MIRROR THAT REFLECTS THE NATIONAL CULTURE

Education is the reflection of a culture. If we observe the educational system from a country we can see its social structure, values and whole cultural meanings. Japan values education highly that's why the students have to develop strong study habits and self control. In Mexico the educational system shows very clearly the social class contrast and the national thinking about heroes, symbols and history. In the United Kingdom, the elementary education is free and all students learn the same material. But after that, a national exam decides who go to the vocational, college or university. The best universities are expensive and available just for a 6% from the total students, and of course only the well educated people, get the best jobs.

Look at the next image, the "cultural value of education" in every "race" in the US

The educational system in the US, shows the best and the worst of the society.

In the USA, the primary and secondary programs are available and free for everyone, but not every school is equal. There is not "Federal Schools". The educational system is organized at local, state or regional level. The public schools get money from the local taxes, that's why poor areas have poor schools.

From all Americans, almost 80 % are high school graduates. (nice number!)
From this quote,the 60% attend to the college or University but in this level, the education isn't free and the 70% of the students need a private loan or scholarship.

My favorite aspect in this topic is the participation from old people in the educational System ( "long life learning" ). For Americans "YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN! (Thank's)

The schools in the United States have several problems, for example lack of discipline, drugs, crime and violence (bullying). Maybe the reflect from the social, economic and family problems. Whatever, the Government are trying to find real solutions for every educational problem. Recently, was founded the NCLB Project
"No child left behind" and consist in a program to give more resources to the educational needs in the country and to support the poor schools.

In the USA some kids are staying home whit them parents to learn, this phenomenon called HOMESCHOOLING is more and more usual at present. (almost 2 Million children, 3% of the total population of american kids).

HOMESCHOOLING or HOME SCHOOL (also called home education or home learning) means the education of children at home, by parents or special individual tutors, and represent a modern alternative to formal education, in developed countries.

Homeschooling is a legal option in many places (just for elementary school) if the parents has the possibility to offer a learning environment to their children and have to be supervised for official authorities.

Homeschooling is a very good alternative for families living faraway from urban areas, family who travel to other countries for short time, or families to want have better academic results.Nevertheless, there is a strong opposition from several sectors of the society.