American School & Education System

 What is the American School & Education System?

Worldwide, the American school and education system is considered to be one of the best for providing top-notch education via a balanced and tested curriculum.

The major goals of the American schools and education system are –

• Taking a balanced approach while teaching. They believe the right ratio of interaction and information sharing is very important.
• Giving extra focus on everyday math because children will need it regularly in their education.   
• Prioritizing practical bases learning gives better results and also helps students to understand better.
• Besides subjective learning, the institutes focus on achieving all round accomplishments, and character development is a significant part of the same.
• Soft skill development like proper communication strategies, time management, etc.

 Characteristics of the U.S. Educational System

In a way, it can be said that the American schools and education system reflect the values and priorities set by American society.

Here are a few significant characteristics of the system:

1. Decentralization of education

America follows a decentralized education system, where the federal government has no preserved rights to formulate or change anything in the national education system. Rather the power is reserved for the state and the local authorities. To some extent, certain individuals and individual higher education institutions also hold some similar power.

2. Education for all

Though quite debatable, America promises to provide education for one and all. For the same formal education is both free and compulsory. The taxes levied on every citizen of the country finances the education system.

3. Education as the antidote to social problems

Here the curriculum is curated in a way, and the teachers are trained in a particular manner so that the kids coming to school know the difference between the wrong and the right. This education also helps them develop a positive attitude and fight all social problems.

Besides these, important features like the transmission of culture and maintaining social integrity are also an integral part of the American schools and education system.

 Is the American Education System Good?

It has been observed over time that the American school's education system is one of a kind, and one can be sure that it is one of the best education systems across the globe. So, what makes it the best?

• Thanks to the rigorous educational standards of the AERO Curriculum and the U.S. Common Core, students can meet their academic goals in subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts/Literacy, and others. These standards also make it easy to transition to similar American curriculum anywhere in the world.
• Although the stress of changing schools is rarely simple, it goes far more smoothly for students who attend American institutions. This is because the curriculum of U.S. schools covers enormous syllabi, parts of which are followed by other countries. Moreover, the culture of the American schools and education system helps them adapt to different educational environments and cultures.
• American schools and the education system help international students understand and connect with their classmates from diverse cultural backgrounds. The educational institutions recognize and incorporate diversity into the curriculum, providing students with the necessary self-confidence and critical thinking skills to succeed in their new environment. Whether your child is studying abroad or in the U.S., American education gives them a solid basis for success in the increasingly interconnected globe.

 What is the Difference between the Indian and American Education Systems?

Indian and American schools and education systems are a lot different from one another. It is mostly because the other very significant education system mostly influences the Indian education system in the world – the British education system.

Here are the points of differences between the two –

1. Flexibility –

The Indian education system is more rigid as compared to that of the American education system. In India, students are required to complete all of their coursework during the school year without any option to skip topics. Unfortunately, physical education and extracurricular activities are not given much importance. However, the U.S. educational system is more flexible, providing students with access to a broader range of topics and equal emphasis on each.

2. Teacher-Student Ratio

In the U.S., most classes have a teacher-to-student ratio of no more than 1:30. However, in India, despite the RTE Act's provisions, the ratio can reach as high as 1:80 and sometimes even 1:100. But the situation has now changed in India as well.

3. Entrance Exams for Graduation

In the U.S., high school students take the SAT and ACT to qualify for admission to colleges and universities. In India, there are national-level exams for medical and engineering programs, while the selection criteria for other streams are mostly based on the student's performance in the Higher Secondary Certificate Examination. But yes, there are some specific universities that select students via admission tests. But these tests are university specific.

4. Duration of Graduation

In India, the educational system for fields such as business, science, social sciences, humanities, management, and media follows a 10+2+3 year format, with the exception of a 4-year engineering degree program. On the other hand, the U.S. follows a 10+2+4-year system.

5. Social Position of a Teacher

In India, the social position of a teacher is way more than that of the USA. People in India have a great deal of regard for teachers and their profession. This is mostly because of the teacher's respected status as a "Guru" within the rich cultural legacy. In terms of American society, it is not comparable.

6. Status of Infrastructure

The infrastructure in the USA is more developed than in India. But if we check the present-day situation, it can be said that India also has come a long way in evolving its educational infrastructure.

 Types of Schools in the U.S. Educational System

There are two types of educational bodies under the American schools and educational systems – private schools and public schools. As understood from the name, the former is headed by a private organization with individual authority while the latter is headed by the state bodies.

Now coming to colleges, there are several types of educational bodies –

• State College
• Private college
• Community college
• Technology institutes

 What are the Pros and Cons of the U.S. Education System?

In today’s date, no education system is perfect. Similarly, the American education system also has its significant pros and cons.

Let’s have a look at it one by one.

Pros

• With 50 states covering an entire continent, numerous courses and programs are available for you to explore. As English is widely spoken, you have the freedom to choose any field of study at any university.
• The U.S. offers a diverse array of educational options for students. Unlike European colleges that require students to choose a single subject and follow a set curriculum throughout their studies, American institutions allow students to explore different courses during their first two years. This provides an opportunity for students to have a broader understanding of their interests before committing to a specific field of study.
• The United States attracts top-notch scholars from around the globe every year because of its rigorous academic standards. This allows you to interact and network with distinguished experts with extensive knowledge in their field. As a result, you will have access to a plethora of information and valuable connections.
• With a few notable exceptions, U.S. colleges are highly recognized internationally, and employers are more likely to choose applicants with U.S. diplomas.

Cons

• The U.S. educational system offers a wide range of courses for students, thanks to the increasing number of international students. However, as each state has its own curriculum, students may have varying levels of education. This can create gaps in their education and limit their general knowledge.
• The cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of U.S. education because the rigorous standards of a great education come at a price. The U.S. charges some of the highest tuition rates in the world, up to $50,000 per year.
• Compared to other countries, the application process for universities in the U.S. is quite demanding. In order to be considered for admission to the top universities, students must have a strong academic record. They are also expected to excel in extracurricular activities, volunteer in social services, and work on projects related to science or art. Being an all-rounder is highly valued by universities, as they seek students who are involved in a diverse range of activities.

If you are planning to opt for an American institute or if you are already pursuing a course there and need more detailed information on the same and how to perform well in maintaining its standards, feel free to contact our consultants at MyAssignmenthelp.com.