US Education system Essay Example for Free

US Education system Essay The spectrum of education which ranges on the world scene is highly progressive, dynamic and competitive. Education system of a particular country not only influences the way the basics are taught, but it highly affects the thinking, assimilating and the expression of the particular group. It is greatly affected by the thinking and expectations of the existing form of government, the decision makers and the geographic region. The historical background also plays a key role in the evolution of this dynamic process. It stimulates growth and evolution of the person as well as the country. The destiny of a country is very clearly guided and linked by the kind of educational measures it has taken a decade ago. The education system of USA is very open and creative, it allows for mental stimulation, open thinking, research and analysis, but in the last decade or two it has become weak in the area of science and mathematics. The balance of the creativity and skills of observation and analysis are both essential for well rounded educational system. In current times, especially under the regime of Mr. Bush, emphasis has been to restructure the educational system to stimulate more science and mathematics in the curriculum, from early elementary years of basic education. Back to basics has been the key slogan for new education system based on strengthening the science, mathematics and creativity, making the full complete circle. The realization has been made to strengthen the weaknesses, by comparing and contrasting with the systems of Asia and Europe, with special emphasis on Japan, Germany and Europe. â€Å"America has reading literacy rate at 98% of population over age 15, but ranks below average in science and mathematics understanding. The poor performance has pushed public and private efforts such as the No Child Left Behind Act. In addition, the ratio of college-educated adults entering the workforce to general population (33%) is slightly below the mean of other developed countries (35%) and rate of participation of the labor force in continuing education is high. As No Child Left Behind Act focuses on reading and math as primary target for improvement, other instructional areas have not benefited. There is much discussion within educational circles about the impact of singularly focusing on reading and math as tested areas for improvement and its impact on other areas of learning† (â€Å"Education in the United States†). The cost of education is another factor which affects the education system. The United States Department of Education recently released a statement detailing the average cost per pupil in public school as $3,500 USD per pupil, whereas average private school cost per pupil was $7,200 USD. In contrast , the private schools in Asia average around $1,400 USD per year and in Germany it is $4,500. The cost of education determines the availability of educational opportunities to minorities within the society, which shapes the overall characteristics of the nation on the whole (â€Å"Education in the United States†). â€Å"The family, as well as peers and school, plays a crucial role in forming students attitudes toward schooling and academics. In the case of Japan, research has documented that studying and homework are central concerns of Japanese families (Stevenson and Stigler, 1992; Lewis, 1995)† (The Role of School†). The school curriculum focuses directly or indirectly in teaching correct attitudes, moral values and to developing character. They aim at creating students who are literate as well as attuned to the basic values of culture and society. Teachers are highly honored and have high social status. Teaching duties extend to the moral instruction and character development of the children. â€Å"During the tests, students are up really late. They study all night. Virtually all are up to midnight. They dont sleep before then. When that goes on, I wish they would use their time better†. It is a more rigorous system based on core values of the society (â€Å"Education in Japan†). Germany offers dual system of education, with its strong emphasis on apprenticeships. The German education system provides different paths for students based on individual ability (â€Å"Education in Germany†). Children enter Grundschule at age 6, and students of all levels of ability remain together as a group through the fourth grade of Grundschule (sixth grade in two states). Following Grundschule, when most students are around 10 years old, the German school system tracks students of differing abilities and interests into different school forms. The support for this system of education remains strong among teachers, students, and parents of differing educational and social class background (An Overview of the German System). For much of its history, education in the United States was segregated (or even only available) based upon race. For the most part, African Americans received very little to no education before the Civil War. In the south where slavery was legal, many states enacted laws which made it a crime for blacks to even be able to read, much less attend school alongside white classmates. After the Civil War and emancipation, blacks still received little help from the states themselves. The federal government, under the Radical Republicans, set up the Freedman’s Bureau to help educate and protect former slaves (â€Å"Education in the United States†). Regardless of history, politics and government, schools need to nurture and build on the cultural norms that contribute to growth. â€Å"Strong schools have strong cultures evidenced by their heroes and heroines, rituals and ceremonies, and shared beliefs and values† (Deal). Education is this whole experience of growth and nurturance.America needs to grow more in its culture, values and inspiration. Works Cited: Education in the United States. Wikipedia. 20 Feb 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 20 Feb 2007. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Education_in_the_United_States. Education in Japan. Wikipedia. 15 Feb 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 20 Feb 2007. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Education_in_Japan. Education in Germany. Wikipedia. 18 Feb 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 20 Feb 2007. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Education_in_Germany. The Role of School in Japanese Adolescents Lives: Family Influences on Adolescent Development and School Participation. Archived Information. 1998. The Educational System in Japan: Case Study Findings. 20 Feb 2007. http://www. ed. gov/pubs/JapanCaseStudy/chapter4c. html. An Overview of the German System. Archived Information. 1998. The Educational System in Germany: Case Study Findings. 20 Feb 2007. http://www. ed. gov/pubs/GermanCaseStudy/chapter1a. html. Deal, Terrence E. , and Allan A. Kennedy. Culture and School Performance. Effective Schools and School Improvement Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development: Alexandria, Virginia, 1989: 140-41.