School Education in the USA
There is neither a uniform school system in the USA, nor a uniform curriculum. Each state has its own system of schools.
Compulsory education begins at the age of 6 in most states and continues usually until 16. However, some states require attendance from 6 to 18. The academic year usually begins in September and continues through the first or second week of June. The children attend classes 5 days a week. The school is about 6 hours long, usually from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Elementary and secondary schools consist of 12 grades: 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school and 3 years of high school, but this plan may be different in different states. Elementary and high schools have separate buildings.
The secondary school curriculum is built around specific subjects rather than general skills. Most secondary schools have the same number of required "basic" subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education.
Secondary school students have also elective subjects, which are not necessary for everybody. A student chooses the electives which will be necessary for him for his future work or further education at university or college. The elective courses differ from school to school.
There are no national exams, although some schools and states have their own exams. In order to receive the high-school diploma, students must get a minimum number of credits, which are given for the successful completion of each one- or half-year course. Some colleges and universities require the students to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). The SAT can be taken 2 or 3 times, so that the student can improve the results.
Extracurricular activity (such as playing for one of the school's sports teams) is also very important and is taken into consideration by colleges and universities.
Besides public schools there are private schools, which are very expensive, and religious schools, which are also fee-paying.
VOCABULARY:
to pay attention - уделять внимание
uniform - единый
curriculum - учебный план, стандарт
compulsory - обязательный
to require - требовать
to attend - посещать
attendance - посещение
grade - класс
elementary - начальный
secondary - средний
required - обязательный
elective subject - предметы по выбору
credit - балл или зачёт за прослушанный курс
completion - окончание, завершение
Scholastic Aptitude Test - тест на проверку способностей ученика: экзамен из двух частей, предлагаемый поступающим в университет
extracurricular activity - внеклассные занятия
to take into consideration - учитывать, принимать во внимание
public school - государственная школа
private school - частная школа
fee-paying - платный
По материалам Е.И. Кисунько, Е.С.Музланова Английский язык, Москва, Астрель, 2006.
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