US Education System: Academic vs Trade Schools

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The discussion centers on the differences between the U.S. and Chinese education systems, particularly the idea of restricting school access to only those deemed deserving. Participants express concerns about the disruptive environment in public schools, suggesting a need for a split between vocational and academic tracks. The U.S. system emphasizes providing education to all, reflecting a belief that basic education is essential for a productive society. Various educational options exist, including vocational schools and honors programs, but the conversation raises questions about how to determine who deserves access to higher education and the implications of such discrimination. The U.S. approach is contrasted with the high-stakes exam culture in China, which some argue places undue pressure on students. The dialogue also touches on the effectiveness of compulsory education in fostering informed citizens and critiques the historical context of the U.S. education system as one designed to produce compliant workers. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities and challenges of educational equity and effectiveness in both 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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