英美文化Chapter 11.doc

Chapter 11 Education, Media and Holidays Ⅰ Education 1. Ideals of American Education As many people as possible should have access to as much education as they want an outcome of the American’s assertions (主张、断言、声明) about equality equality in education does not mean that everyone receives the same education The Child placed in a lower-ability group does not receive the same education as one placed in a higher-ability group Producing a society of literacy and local control education governed by state and local governments, not by the national government; no national ministry of education each state has its own laws regulating education Emphasis on the basic nature of knowledge and learning Scholars and students should work to discover new information or conceive (构思、设计) new ways to understand what is already known; Learning is an enterprise of exploration, experimentation, analysis, and synthesis; The goal of education is to teach children how to learn and help them reach their maximum potential. Education is both an individual benefit and a social necessity. Every American has the right and obligation to become educated. Quotations concerning education: Better be unborn than untaught, for ignorance is the root of misfortune. (Plato, Ancient Greek philosopher) Education is a progressive discovery of our ignorance. (Durant, American historian) The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one. (Malcolm Forbes, American educator) 2. Educational System 2.1 Elementary and Secondary Education Elementary and secondary education—the basis of public education, free and compulsory, 12 grades One academic year—from September through June Different divisions of school systems: elementary school—one through eight high school—next four years elementary school—one through six junior high school—seven through nine senior high school—ten through twelve Elementary education Courses—reading, arithmetic, language arts, science, social studie