The topic is “Education in the USA”. Topic "Education in the USA" Education in the usa topic

The American system of school education differs from the systems in other countries. There are state public schools, private elementary schools and private secondary schools. Public schools are free and private schools are feepaying. Each state has its own system of public schools.

Elementary education begins at the age of six or seven, when a child goes to the first grade (form). At the age of sixteen schoolchildren leave the elementary school and may continue their education at one of the secondary schools or high schools, as they call them.

The program of studies in the school includes English, Arithmetic, Geography, History of the USA, Natural Sciences and, besides, Physical Training, Singing, Drawing, Wood or Metal Work, etc. Sometimes they learn a foreign language and general history. Beside giving general education some high schools teach subjects useful to those who hope to find jobs in industry and agriculture or who want to enter colleges or universities.

After growing from secondary schools a growing number of Americans go on to higher education. The students do not take the same courses. During the first two years they follow a basic program. It means that every student must select at least one course from each of the basic fields of study: English, Natural Sciences, Modern Languages, History or Physical Training. After the first two years every student can select subjects according to his professional interest.

The National Government gives no direct financial aid to the institutions of higher education. Students must pay a tuition fee. This creates a financial hardship for some people. Many students have to work to pay their expenses. The Americans place a high value on education. That’s why Kennedy said, “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.”

Education in the USA

The American school system is different from other countries. There are public public schools, private primary schools and private secondary schools. Public schools are free and private schools are fee-paying. Each state has its own public school system.

Primary education begins at the age of six or seven, when the child enters first grade. At the age of sixteen, students finish primary school and can continue their education at one of the secondary schools or high schools as they call them.

The school curriculum includes English, arithmetic, geography, US history, science, and in addition physical education, singing, drawing, works, etc. Sometimes they study foreign language And general history. In addition to providing general education, some high schools teach subjects useful to those hoping to find jobs in industry and agriculture or who wants to go to colleges or universities.

After graduating from high school, an increasing number of Americans earn higher education. Students do not take the same courses. During the first two years they follow the basic program. This means that each student must take at least one course from the general branches of study: English, Science, Modern Languages, History and Physical Culture. After the first two years, each student can choose subjects in accordance with his professional interests.

The government does not provide direct financial assistance to higher education institutions. Students must pay tuition. This creates financial difficulties for some people. Many students must work to pay their expenses. Americans give great importance education issues. That's why Kennedy said, "Our progress as a nation cannot be faster than our progress in education."

1. Young people who have finished high school may continue at universities, colleges, technical or vocational schools.
2. Each college of a university has a special subject area: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, education or business.
3. A university has a program for undergraduates, a program for graduates and professional programs.
4. If a young man completes a course of study, he gets bachelor of arts or science degree.
5. If a student continues the course of study, he gets a graduate, or a professional degree.
6. Universities may get money from state or private sources; they may also be funded by a religious group.
7. If a student of a college completes a course of study in arts or science, he gets a bachelor's degree in arts or science.
8. A community college has academic courses and courses of non-academic subjects.
9. Technical and vocational schools give preparation in different fields. ]

Education in the United States of America is compulsory for children from the age of 6 till 16 (or 18). It involves 12 years of schooling. A school year starts at the end of August or at the beginning of September and ends in late June or early July. The whole school year is divided into three terms/trimesters or four quarters. American students have winter, spring and summer holidays which last 2 or 3 weeks and 6 or 8 weeks, respectively. The length of the school year varies among the states as well as the day length. Students go to school 5 days a week.

The American education system consists of 3 basic components: elementary, secondary and higher education. There is also such a concept as preschool education. At the age of 4 or 5 children just get acquainted with the formal education in a nursery school. The preschool education program aims to prepare children for elementary school through playing and help them to acquire the experience of association. It lasts for one year. Then they go to the first grade (or grade 1).

Elementary education starts when pupils are 6 years old. The program of studies in the elementary school includes the following subjects: English, Arithmetic, Geography, History of the USA, Natural sciences, Physical Training, Singing, Drawing, wood or metal work. The education is mostly concentrated on the basic skills (speaking, reading, writing and arithmetic). Sometimes children also learn some foreign languages, general history and such new subjects as drug and sex education. The main goal of elementary education is the general intellectual, social and physical development of a pupil from 5 to 12 or 15 years old.

Secondary education begins when children move on to high or secondary school in the ninth grade, where they continue their studies until the twelfth grade. The secondary school curriculum is built around specific subjects rather than general skills. Although there is always a number of basic subjects in the curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education, the students have an opportunity to learn some elective subjects, which are not necessary for everyone. After the first two years of education they can select subjects according to their professional interests. The electives are to be connected with the students" future work or further education at university or college. Every high school has a special teacher — a guidance counselor who helps the students to choose these elective subjects. Moreover, he helps them with some social problems , too. The elective courses are different in various schools.

Members of each grade in high school have special names: students in the ninth grade are called freshmen, tenth graders are called sophomores, eleventh graders are juniors and as for twelfth graders, they are seniors.

After growing from high schools the majority of the Americans go on studying at higher education establishments. In universities they have to study for four years to get a bachelor's degree. In order to get a master's degree they must study two years more and, besides, be engaged in a research work.

Text translation: Education in the USA - Education in the USA (4)

Education in the United States of America is compulsory for children from 6 to 16 (or 18) years of age. It implies 12 years of schooling. The school year in America begins in late August or early September and ends in late June or early July. The academic year consists of three terms or four quarters. Winter, spring and summer holidays last 2-3 or 6-8 weeks respectively. The length of the school year and school day varies by state. Children study 5 days a week and usually travel to school by school bus.

The American education system consists of three fundamental components: primary, secondary and higher education. In addition, in America there is a concept preschool education. At the age of 4-5 years, children are just beginning to get acquainted with educational process V kindergarten. Purpose of the program preschool education- using the game method to prepare children for primary school, help them gain communication experience. When they turn 6 years old, they enter the 1st grade of primary school.

The elementary school curriculum includes the following subjects: English, arithmetic, geography, US history, natural history, physical education, singing, drawing, and labor training. The emphasis is mainly on teaching basic skills - speaking, reading, writing and arithmetic. Children sometimes study foreign languages ​​and world history, as well as subjects such as sexuality education and lessons on social role narcotic drugs. The main goal of primary education is comprehensive intellectual, social and physical development a child aged 5 to 12 or 15 years.

Secondary education begins when students enter high school, 9th grade; then they continue their studies until the 12th grade. The high school curriculum focuses more on teaching specific subjects rather than general knowledge. And although the schedule always includes a set of core subjects - English, mathematics, science, social studies and physical education - children are given the opportunity to study elective subjects that are not mandatory for all students. After the first two years of study, they choose subjects according to their professional interests. Such subjects should be related to the students' future work or subsequent studies at a university or college. Each secondary school has a special teacher - a career guidance counselor. He helps students decide on subjects and also gives advice related to social issues. Elective courses vary by school.

Students in each high school class have their own special names: ninth graders are called freshmen, tenth graders are called sophomores, eleventh graders are called juniors, and twelfth graders are called seniors.

After graduating from high school, the vast majority of Americans go on to higher education. educational institutions. At universities, young people must study for 4 years and pass 4 credits to receive a bachelor's degree. To obtain a master's degree, you need to study for another 2 years and engage in research work. After this, the student can do another row necessary work, which will give him the opportunity to become a Doctor of Science.

References:
1. 100 topics of English oral (Kaverina V., Boyko V., Zhidkikh N.) 2002
2. English for schoolchildren and those entering universities. Oral exam. Topics. Texts for reading. Exam questions. (Tsvetkova I.V., Klepalchenko I.A., Myltseva N.A.)
3. English, 120 Topics. English language, 120 conversation topics. (Sergeev S.P.)

The system of education in the USA varies greatly from state to state. School education in so called state public schools is free. Parents are free to choose any public school for their children. Although there are a lot of private schools, mainly religious, and parents have to pay for them. A school year starts in September and ends in June. It is divided into three terms or four quarters.

American children start attending elementary schools at the age of 6. They continue their studies for eight years there (8 grades). Their basic subjects in the curriculum at this stage are English, Arithmetic, Natural Science, History, Geography, Foreign Language and some others. After that pupils may enter a Senior high school or if they go to a 5- or 6-year elementary school, they then attend a 3- or 4-year Junior high school, and then enter a Senior high school. Pupils graduate from high schools at the age of 18. The high schools (also known as secondary schools) are generally larger and accommodate teenagers from four or five elementary schools. During the school year the students study four or five selective subjects according to their professional interests. They must complete a certain number of courses to receive a high school diploma or a certificate of school graduation.

In order to develop social skills and encourage students’ participation in extracurricular activities every high school has an orchestra, a music band, a choir, drama groups, football, basketball and baseball teams. School becomes the center of social life for students.

At American colleges and universities young people get higher education. They study for 4 years and get a Bachelor's degree in arts or science. If a student wants to get a Master's degree he must study for two more years and do a research work. Students who want to advance their education even further in a specific field can pursue a Doctor degree. The most famous American universities are Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, Columbia Universities.

Translation

The education system in the United States differs greatly from state to state. School education in so-called public schools is free. Parents are free to choose any free school for their children. However, there are many private schools, mostly religious ones, and parents need to pay for their education. School year starts in September and ends in June. It is divided into 3 semesters or 4 quarters.

American children begin attending elementary school at age 6. They continue their education for 8 years (8 classes). The main subjects in the schedule at this stage are English, arithmetic, natural science, history, geography, foreign language and some others. Students can then move on to the Senior Secondary School, or if they went to a 5 or 6 year primary school, then they attend a 3 or 4 year Junior Secondary School before moving on to the Senior Secondary School. Students graduate from high school at age 18. Secondary schools tend to be larger and accommodate teenagers from 4 or 5 primary schools. During the academic year, students study 4-5 selective subjects, in accordance with their professional interests. They are required to take a certain number of courses in order to receive a high school diploma or school completion certificate.

To develop social skills and encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities, each high school has an orchestra, band, choir, drama, football, basketball and baseball teams. The school becomes the center of social life for students.

In American colleges and universities, young people receive higher education. They study for 4 years and receive a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. If a student intends to obtain a Master's degree, he needs to study for another 2 years and spend research work. Students who wish to continue their studies in a particular field of knowledge can obtain a Doctorate degree. The most famous American universities are Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Yale and Columbia universities.

The US educational system is much decentralized and schools vary greatly from state to state. There are three levels of subsidizing of education: federal, state and local. They subsidize 3-5 per cent on a federal level, around 20 per cent on a state level and 70-80 per cent on a local level.

There are 15,000 school districts which are different in size. A school district is governed by the Board of Education/School Board/School Council which is elected every two years by the residents of the school district. Members of school boards perform their responsibilities on a volunteer basis, that means they do not get any salaries. They are to define the policies for the administration of the school district. Teachers, in turn, decide about the program and approaches to teaching.

Every resident pays a school tax to the school district he/she lives in, no matter he/she has school children or not. School education in the United States is free and parents are free to choose a school for their children. But if parents send their child to a school of another school district they have to pay the sum equivalent to the school tax directly to the school the child goes to.

There are also a lot of private schools, mainly religious, and parents have to pay for them. The cost is $5,000 - $10,000 a year.

There is no home education in the United States. Each invalid is supposed to attend school. School provides all the necessary conditions for them to study.

The school system structure in the United States looks like this. Children start going to school at the age of five. First they go to eight-year elementary school and then to high school or if they go to five- or six-year elementary school, they then attend three- or four-year middle school, and then high school. Teenagers study at high school four years and graduate from it at the age of eighteen. Members of each grade in high school have special names:

A ninth grader is called a Freshman,
- a tenth grader - a Sophomore,
- an eleventh grader - a Junior,
- a twelfth grader - a Senior.

The completion of high school is called graduation. In order to graduate, students must accumulate a certain amount of credits during their four years at school. Credits are points given for every subject that is passed successfully. In addition to that, students must successfully complete specific subjects required by the state or local educational authorities, such as US history, English, mathematics and physical education. This may vary from state to state.

Over 60% of school graduates continue their education in two- or four-year colleges or universities. At least 10% of high school students are allowed to finish school at the age of 16.

A school year starts at the beginning of September or at the end of August and ends in late June or early July, just before the Independence Day, and is divided into three terms/trimesters or four quarters. School children have winter and spring breaks for two or three weeks and summer vacation for six up to eight weeks.

There is a great variety of Saturday, Sunday, vocational and other schools. The most popular one is summer school. It is for students who want to get a deeper knowledge in a particular subject, or to skip a year, or just fail their examinations. It lasts six weeks and parents have to pay for it.

Students go to school five days a week. They get to and from school by a school bus. A typical school day in America starts at 7.30 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance in which the US flag and the whole nation is glorified. Then follows the homeroom period during which a homeroom teacher calls the roll and the principal makes his/her announcements over the intercom. Every day students usually have seven periods which last 50-55, sometimes 45 minutes. In some schools there are four periods lasting 90 minutes. There are 2-5 minute passing between periods and a break of 30 minutes for lunch.

American schools today house a large number of students but making friends can be difficult, as the same group of students does not attend all the classes. In order to encourage meeting and knowing a broader population at school, special emphasis is placed on so-called extracurricular activities where interests, rather than academic ability, bring students together.

Extracurricular activities are the many club meetings, music or drama rehearsals, and sport practice sessions that take place in American high school in the afternoon after classes. These meetings are a very important part of high school life, since they are a link between different groups of students who are placed in various academic programs. Students who usually would not meet in the classroom get to know each other in areas of common interest. They give students the opportunity to further their specific interests in various fields and to spend their free time together.

Even though they are not mandatory, many students get involved in different extracurricular activities. Since students spend a lot of time participating in various activities, school becomes the center of social life for students. They not only go to school to study the material presented in class, but they also meet together to socialize and to pursue their interests.

Other important activities in American high school are sports teams. Most schools offer a variety of teams for both boys and girls. American football, basketball and base-ball are played in the majority of schools. In addition, one may find tennis, gymnastics, hockey, swimming, golf, volleyball, cross-country, and track and field teams, depending again on the size and financial resources of the school. Soccer is also growing in popularity.

Usually schools have varsity teams, which complete with other schools and which have very intensive training, and intramural teams, which play other teams within the school itself. In most schools, there is a great deal of competition between students to join the varsity team. There are often regulations in schools that make it difficult for new students to join. On the intramural teams most students are welcome to participate.

In many schools have fewer possibilities than boys. Smaller schools may not have some of the above-mentioned teams for girls. But a special group of girls and boys play an important part at the football and basketball games. They are called cheerleaders and they lead the crowd in cheers for their team.

In addition to clubs and sports teams, one will find the Student Council and the class officer meetings. Students are elected by their school and classmates to represent them in these bodies and to organize activities for their school.

U.S. colleges and universities offer a vide variety of programs ranging from highly academic courses to very practical ones. Students can be educated not only for academic professions, but also for technical professions, such as mechanics, nursing, medical technology, computer technology and book-keeping.

In universities young people study four years to get bachelor's degree. If one wants to get master's degree he/she must study two years more and do a research work. If one has master's degree, studies more, does a research work and passes an oral, comprehensive examination he/she gets doctor's degree (PhD).