Huntingdon
College | Political Science | Courses
| PSC 212: American
Policymaking System |
Lecture Notes
by Jeremy Lewis,
revised 10 Mar. 2008
US Education
|
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US Education, strengths:
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US was first universal system.
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unusually strong for women,
since C19th
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55% of college students, 1/3
grade higher GPA than men
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allegiant socialization
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official patriotism, flag
salute
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democratic classroom, speaking
out
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higher education is largest
in world by far
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formally, all educated together
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no public funding for parochial
schools -- but
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10% in private schools, good
outcomes
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special ed. and gifted programs
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US Education, problems:
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Short school year, few subjects,
no streaming
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family & social breakdown
impacts classroom
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women have other choices
of work
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standardized tests without
writing
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grade inflation
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de facto segregation
by race still
common
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state & local funding
& control >> inequality
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Women's work >> PTAs less
active
-
Dominance of state unions,
AEA, AFT
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affected by peripheral issues:
prayer, evolution.
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cafeteria system of courses
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Non-academic emphasis: typing,
driving, social skills
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lack of critical thinking
skills
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lack of theory
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poor outcomes in math,
science
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By comparison, not the best
outcomes.
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REFORMS?
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Changing types of schools
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Charter schools
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divided schools
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for-Profit schools
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Goals & accountability
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outcomes assessment
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Teacher testing
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Funding:
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higher pay for teachers
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more money for schools
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longer school year
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Culture:
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educated parents value education
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Should the federal government
take a greater role?
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only 9% of total funding.
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limited at present to civil
rights & affirmative action.
presidential national essay
exams?
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