Source
r/Teachers•
BeNiceToAll

[question] Secondary Education System of the USA

Hi guys.

I'm wondering if there are any good websites/pdfs where I can read on the in & outs of the secondary education system of the USA. I'm writing an essay on it where I compare it with the Dutch system.

It's only a 2k essay, but I need some reliable sources. Some of the key points are:

  • What is the structure of education in chosen country? And what is the structure of language teaching? (I study English btw)

  • How are lang. teachers trained?

  • What are the beliefs and methods that support the teaching of foreign languages?

  • What are the main differences between the chosen system and the Dutch system (teaching, teacher-training, etc.)?

I'll be looking for myself, but any help would be appreciated. Thanks :)

Posted Jun 6, 2016, 7:08 PM UTC

48
anonoman925Cali, HS, History•

The main thing is that there is no uniformity. At a high level systems are the same, but state laws vary.

6
Lasty_girly•

Agreed. It varies from state to state on what graduation requirements are. And grading procedures and scales can vary between school districts in the same state! I guess I would pick a non-charter public school somewhere and just go with the information you find there.

1
Quadriplegic_Gymnast•

Each state will vary. I am a teacher in Minnesota and here is the Minnesota Department of Education section on English Learners, this should help a bit. http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/SchSup/EngLearn/index.html

2
pumpkincat•

This is going to vary a lot based on the state. For simplicity's sake are you allowed to chose a single state within the US?

1
Markinlv•

As others have stated it varies widely by state. I would suggest comparing the Dutch system with either New York or Florida as they are the closest in population. Actually I would lean towards New York because...well Florida is Florida (google 'weird florida news')

1
Dsxm41780UnionRep•

I am a foreign language teacher in New Jersey, United States. Try looking up the following organizations: -FLENJ (foreign language educators of New Jersey) -ACTFL (American council of teachers of foreign language) -NNELL (national network for early language learning).

ACTFL really guides language instruction in this country. It is proficiency based. The basic levels are: Novice (word level) Intermediate (sentence level) Advanced (paragraph/extended discourse level) Superior (native speaker level).

There are subcategories (low, medium, and high) for all except superior.

My district is a model program in New Jersey. We teach at least 90% of the time in the target language. We follow the natural/communicative approach by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell. Language acquisition is emphasized over language learning. We try to simulate the way people learn their first language through use of Total Physical Response, use of visuals and props, scaffolded questioning, and authentic materials to the culture as much as possible.

1
BeNiceToAllOP•

Thank you very much :)

1
GoatCheese1•

I imagine the US Department of Education would be a good primary source.

www.ed.gov

1