TEACHING IN AMERICA – PART 2: An Introduction to the U.S. Educational System STARTALK Guest Teacher Summer Institute July 24-25, 2012
It’s Your Turn! 1. Get back in your small groups. 2. Take 10 minutes to review the article you were given to read on the different types of schools in the U.S. 3. Answer the following questions together as a group: a. What are the two main categories of schools in the U.S.? b. What are some specific examples of schools in these categories. c. What initial similarities and differences do you note between schools in the U.S. and schools in China?
4. Be prepared to share an idea that no other group has shared.
How did you do? Types of Schools in the U.S. In the United States, children can attend… 1. Public Schools - Students do not pay to attend. a. Public Charter Schools (Also called “Community Schools”) b. Public Magnet Schools
2. Private Schools - Students pay tuition to attend. a. Parochial Schools - Religious focus. b. Independent Schools - No religious focus or influence. c. Proprietary Schools - Run for profit / No religious focus.
Types & Names of Schools In The U.S. Grade Levels
Post-Secondary
Common Name
Other Name
University / College / Community College
9-12, 10-12
High School
Senior High
6-8, 7-8/9
Middle School
Junior High
K – 5/6
Elementary School
Primary
Pre-K
Pre-School
Nursery School
A Typical U.S. Elementary School
A Typical U.S. Middle School
A Typical U.S. High School
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Elementary foreign language classroom
Parts of a Typical U.S. School Chinese immersion elementary classroom
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • High school foreign language classroom
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • High school science classroom & laboratory
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • A middle school art room
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • A computer laboratory
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • A band/music room
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • A media center / library
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • A cafeteria or commons area
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Student lockers
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Administrative offices
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Principal’s office
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Copy room
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Teacher’s lounge
Parts of a Typical U.S. School – Departmental offices (high schools)
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Guidance office
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • School auditorium
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Gymnasium
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Playground
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • Football stadium
Parts of a Typical U.S. School • School bus
It’s the Mentors’ Turn! Listen as the mentor teachers describe their schools, the various programs that exist for students and the resources that are available to members of the school community.
It’s Your Turn! 1. Take a moment or two to reflect on the images you’ve just seen taken from American schools. 2. What did you see that surprised you? That makes you feel excited? Or nervous? 3. Take a few minutes to share your impressions with the members of your earlier group.
BREAK! Please return promptly in 15 minutes. Xie xie!