UNIT 4C
ADDITIONAL READING
ADDITIONAL READING
THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE USA Luka Petrović has an assignment to talk about the school system in America and he asked his American friend Steve to help him. This is part of Steve’s letter.
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In the USA there is not a single unified national system of education. Each of the 50 states has its own laws regulating education. Children begin school at the age of 5 or 6 and continue until the age of 18. In most US schools, marks are A, B, C, D, and F with an A being excellent and an F being a fail. In most public and private schools, education is divided into three levels: elementary school, middle school (sometimes called junior high school), and high school (sometimes referred to as secondary education). High school or senior high school usually runs from the 9th through to the 12th grade. The students in these grades are commonly referred to as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Generally, at high school level, students are required to take a minimum number of compulsory subjects, but may also choose additional subjects (‘electives’) to fill out their required hours of learning. Compulsory subjects are: English (literature, humanities, composition, oral languages, etc.), Science (biology, chemistry and physics), Mathematics (algebra, geometry, statistics), Social sciences (including various history, government/economics courses) and Physical education. Common types of electives include: Computers, Athletics, Career and Technical Education, Journalism, Performing Arts, Visual Arts or Foreign languages (Spanish and French are common). Many states require a ‘health’ course where students learn about nutrition, first aid, drug problems and birth control.
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACIVITIES In American schools, high priority is given to sports, especially American football and basketball. Outstanding athletes easily get scholarships for universities even if they are not excellent students. You can’t imagine how popular they are in their community. Sports events cannot be imagined without cheerleading, of course. Most high schools have teams that cheer at athletic events. Cheerleaders have to work hard and they are also very popular in their schools. In addition to sports, there are other activities which include musical groups, marching bands, student parliaments, school newspapers, science fairs, debate teams, and clubs. I hope this letter has given you some basic information on secondary education in the States. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon. Steve
