US Education System: Academic vs Trade Schools

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences between the US education system and those of other countries, particularly regarding the separation of academic and vocational education. Participants express concerns about the current public school system, which they believe does not adequately cater to students' varying academic pursuits. They highlight the existence of vocational schools and specialized programs, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses and magnet schools, as potential solutions. The conversation also touches on the implications of educational access and the need for a more defined pathway for students pursuing higher education versus vocational training.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the US education system structure, including public, private, and vocational schools.
  • Familiarity with Advanced Placement (AP) programs and magnet schools.
  • Knowledge of international education systems, particularly those with compulsory education policies.
  • Awareness of educational equity issues, including socioeconomic factors affecting access to education.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the structure and effectiveness of vocational schools in the US.
  • Explore the educational systems of countries like Finland, Sweden, and Japan regarding compulsory education.
  • Investigate the impact of Advanced Placement (AP) programs on student outcomes in the US.
  • Examine the role of educational equity in shaping public policy related to schooling options.
USEFUL FOR

Educators, policymakers, parents considering educational options for their children, and anyone interested in the comparative analysis of global education systems.

  • #31
edpell said:
See public schools work.

Don't ask where the twenty trillion dollars went.

:smile:
 
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  • #32
Heh. All my Chinese friends wish the Chinese system was like America's (or England/etc. I'm sure, but they probably only express preference for the American system since I am from the States). There are a lot of problems inherent in the Chinese system. The emphasis on exams is astronomical and has a very long history of cultural significance. Students spend an inordinate amount of time and energy on the exams alone because one exam will define where you go for your middle school another for high school, etc.

Instead, the US system allows the schools to cater to different levels so that everyone can receive both a decent education but hopefully one that caters to their abilities. My schools had remedial programs for students who lagged behind, and a bevy of honor programs for those that excelled. In addition, there are multiple levels of higher education from vocational schools, junior colleges, college, and university.
 
  • #33
School is like everything else in a capitalist system "you get what you pay for". There are excellent schools in the US if you have the money Exeter, Choate, etc...
 
  • #34
ƒ(x) said:
It doesn't matter if your average citizen votes intelligently. Electoral votes count instead of popular.
This is a misunderstanding of how the electoral system works. And there are only two elected offices that it pertains to.
 
  • #35
jimmysnyder said:
This is a misunderstanding of how the electoral system works. And there are only two elected offices that it pertains to.

Which offices?
 
  • #36
ƒ(x) said:
Which offices?
President and Vice President of the US.
 
  • #37
Learn something new every day.
 
  • #38
ƒ(x) said:
While I am in high level classes, the environment at my current school is much different than that of my middle school, a change that I attribute to less academically oriented students.

edpell said:
School is like everything else in a capitalist system "you get what you pay for". There are excellent schools in the US if you have the money Exeter, Choate, etc...

There's middle ground here. I went to small private college prep schools throughout high school on grants and scholarships. Students from wealthy families who can pay full tuition aren't necessarily the more academically oriented ones so these schools are prone to cast a kind financial eye on academically sincere applicants of lower income to help maintain the school's reputation for producing higher caliber graduates.
 
  • #39
Born2bwire said:
Heh. All my Chinese friends wish the Chinese system was like America's (or England/etc. I'm sure, but they probably only express preference for the American system since I am from the States). There are a lot of problems inherent in the Chinese system. The emphasis on exams is astronomical and has a very long history of cultural significance. Students spend an inordinate amount of time and energy on the exams alone because one exam will define where you go for your middle school another for high school, etc.

Instead, the US system allows the schools to cater to different levels so that everyone can receive both a decent education but hopefully one that caters to their abilities. My schools had remedial programs for students who lagged behind, and a bevy of honor programs for those that excelled. In addition, there are multiple levels of higher education from vocational schools, junior colleges, college, and university.
Accurate description.
 

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