Public Education

Public School Students at the International Academy

AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN SCHOOL SYSTEMS

There are significant differences in the philosophy of education between the school systems in Europe (based on the British System) and in the United States. The British system is highly competitive, and uses a tracking system. Students are placed on educational tracks based on tests and examinations at differing stages of the educational process. This tracking system channels students toward vocational outcomes that may require different lengths of schooling and different levels of education. Over time, only a certain percentage of students are eligible to apply for university admission.

The American system has a very different educational philosophy. In the United States, all students are expected to master a core curriculum over 12 years of study. There is no tracking system that places students in pre-determined set of career choices, no elimination from pre-university track studies. The admission process into colleges and universities in the United States is the first time students face exclusion from an educational track. Acceptance to these schools is based on standardized tests called SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and ACT (Achievement and Curriculum Test), and on the overall grade point average from high school courses.

Another type of curriculum is now being used broadly in international schools. It is called the IB or International Baccalaureate. This program was started in the 1960's, in response to the educational needs of children whose families moved internationally during their years of primary and secondary education. The IB seeks to provide an educational structure that allows for entrance into university levels in countries using both the British and American systems. It provides educational stability to expatriates who move among cultures. This is the curriculum taught at the International Academy.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Most students are very excited to move to the United States and are filled with curiosity about their new home. However, they usually find the differences are greater than anticipated, and they must work very hard to overcome the shock of a new culture. Based on our work with new international students, students are disappointed and face difficulties with these issues.

• Public transportation - In American, and particularly in metro-Detroit, it is very difficult to get around without an automobile. The public transportation system is very limited. This creates a feeling of frustration and isolation, as students must depend of their parents to drive them to their destination.

• Language difficulties - Although new expats may have studied English in school, they often still have a large gap in fluency.

• Social Life - In general, European students have much more freedom to explore their cities, go to clubs, and get together than do American students. American students use after school events as a focus of activities (dances, sports and so on). They also will have small gathering of friends at private homes.

• Grading structure - Grades are often higher in the United States as compared to European grading style. While it is common for students to receive a "C" in Europe, many students in America are unhappy with that grade. If students meet the class requirements and show they have learned all the material they will receive an "A".

• School vocabulary - There is a certain vocabulary used in American Public Schools that is very different from the European vocabulary. A glossary of terms is posted for the reader's convenience.

While these difficulties may be discouraging, recognize that in American schools, the teachers and staff are dedicated to help all students succeed. Students will receive encouragement and help to become good students.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This list of words may be helpful to students new to American schools. These are commonly used, and this could be a good reference during the transition time.

Agenda - A small book given to every student at the beginning of the year with space to write daily assignments. Sometimes called Student Planner.

Assemblies - An opportunity for all (or most) of the students to gather in a large community room for special presentations. Assemblies occur several times a year.

Assignment - The work teachers expect students to do for each class, usually to be turned in for grading.

Binder - (Three Ring Binder) A hardcover folder to keep important papers. It sometimes has three rings in the spine to attach papers.

Code of Conduct - The official rules and regulations students must follow while in school.

Dances - Schools often host dances, usually on Friday or Saturday nights. The students either bring dates or just go with friends. Sometimes students dress formally for dances, such as Charity Ball or Prom. A DJ (disk jockey) plays dance music.

Electives - These are classes students can take outside the regular curriculum requirements.

Extra Credit - Teachers sometime give students extra credit assignments to add points to their grade. It is used to increase the grade in a class, and is not required work.

Field Trip - Sometimes teachers will arrange for their class to leave school for all or most of the day. They sometimes take students to a museum, theater, special presentation or other educational event. Usually students travel together on a school bus.

Final Draft - The final version of a paper written for a class assignment (see rough draft)

GPA (Grade Point Average) - A measure of how well students are performing in school. A grade of "A" is 4.0, "B" is 3.0, "C" is 2.0, "D" is 1.0 and "E" is 0.0. All the assignment and test grades are averaged together for a grade in a class. All class grades are averaged together for an overall GPA. This average is very important to get into good colleges and universities.

Half Days - Occasionally, students only have to go to school in the morning. Usually this happens at the end of the marking period.

Hall Pass - If a student has to be in the hall during regular class time (to use the rest room, go to the main office and so on), the teacher will give them written permission to do so.

Journals - Small booklets used to write essays and entries.

Lab - Short for laboratory. A lab can be a part of a science class when you do experiments. It is also a place or location where science related activities occur. Sometimes a big computer room is called the Tech Lab.

Lunch Hour - The 30 minute period of time during the day set aside for lunch.

Marking Period - There are four marking periods during the year. At the end of each marking period, students receive grades for the classes (report cards). There are two marking periods in each semester, and two semester in each school year.

Mid-Terms - Important tests that cover all that is learned during the first semester.

Note Cards - Small cards (3"x5") that are used for presentations, to study for a quiz or test, or to organize ideas for a paper.

Outline - The first step in writing a big paper. It is done to organize thoughts and ideas so your paper is clearly written.

Paper - An assignment that involves writing many pages about one topic.

Parking Pass - A plastic tag purchased by students that gives permission to park in the school parking lot.

Picture Day - One day a year, schools arrange for a photographer to come to school and take individual pictures of the student and staff. You have a chance to buy copies of these pictures for yourself.

Plagiarism - Copying someone's work and handing it in as if it were your own work.

Policies - Rules the students have to follow.

Progress Reports - During the middle of every marking period, the teachers send home notices if you are not doing well in class. Sometimes teachers send home progress reports if you are doing good work too!

Quiz - A small test.

Report Cards - An official account of the grades you get in your classes at the end of marking periods and semester. They are handed out in school at the end of marking periods and mailed home at the end of semesters.

Requirements - Work that must be done for a class.

Rough Draft - The first attempt at writing a paper based on an outline. A teacher may correct a rough draft, which is then used to write the final draft.

Semester - There are two semesters in a school year, each semester has two marking periods.

Senior Pictures - It is customary for seniors to have their portraits taken at the beginning of their senior year. These pictures are printed in the yearbook, and small copies are exchanges among friends.

Snow Days - Sometimes the weather gets so bad that it is unsafe or impossible to drive anywhere (usually due to snow or ice). When a snow day is declared, school is closed, and everyone gets an excused absence. Each school district will decide whether or not to declare a "snow day".

Source - A book, magazine, or internet reference that is used to gather information when writing a paper. Sources must be recognized in the paper or it is considered plagiarism.

Summer School - If students do not pass a class during the regular school year, they have a chance to try again during summer break. .

Supplies - What is needed for a class, such as notebooks, pens, binders and so on.

Tech Lab - The room in the school with computers for students to use

Yearbook - A hardbound book produced at the IA by the Yearbook product team. It showcases all the activities in the school year, prints pictures of the students and staff, and is purchased as a memento of the school year.