An Overview of the United States’ Education System and Standards-Based Curriculum
The American education system (USA Education) is broadly divided into three primary sectors: elementary education, secondary education, and post-secondary or higher education. Each state can further categorize these divisions, but the structure generally follows specific age groups referred to as “grades.” These grades are:
1. Elementary School: This stage usually includes grades Kindergarten through 5th or 6th, covering ages 5-11.
2. Middle School: This stage often covers grades 6th through 8th, corresponding to ages 11-14.
3. High School: This stage typically includes grades 9th through 12th, intended for ages 14-18.
The standards-based curriculum aligns with these grades, organized by age, and periodic assessments of a student’s progress are carried out by teachers. These tests are usually standardized and vary by state. Below is a detailed explanation of each stage:
1. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten: This period typically spans from ages 3 to 5. Assessments at this stage focus on identifying foundational skills in language, communication, literacy, and mathematics, but they can vary significantly from state to state and school to school.
2. Elementary School: Elementary school begins in 1st grade when children are aged 5 or 6 and continues through grade 5 or 6 (ages 10 or 11), depending on the specific school system. Standardized testing often begins in 3rd grade (ages 8-9), focusing on reading and mathematics, and it continues annually thereafter.
3. Middle School: This stage often extends from grades 6 to 8, covering ages 11 to 14. During these years, standardized testing continues, typically expanding to include science and social studies, in addition to reading and math. The tests’ frequency and exact subjects tested can vary based on state guidelines and requirements.
4. High School: This stage includes grades 9 through 12, corresponding to ages 14 to 18. Most students will take a standardized test like the ACT or SAT as they prepare for post-secondary education. High school also includes a variety of end-of-course exams for specific subjects, and many students undertake Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams for potential college credit.
It’s important to note that the U.S. education system can vary considerably by state, with each state having its own set of academic standards that guide what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards are used to develop school curriculum and are the basis for state-mandated standardized tests.
REFERENCES
Education in the United States: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_the_United_States
U.S Education: https://educationusa.state.gov/
United States of America, Structure of Educational System: https://www.euroeducation.net/prof/usa.htm
Wiki Hyphen Website | Updates 28th May 2023 | Link: https://www-wiki.com/us-education-system-and-standards-based-curriculum