A Comparison of American and Canadian Education

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I found the Differences and similarities of both educational systems very interesting. The United States educational system is has three levels however; some school districts may subdivide elementary and secondary students to create separate schools at the middle and junior high level. Once a child turns five they begin kindergarten and stay in elementary until they graduate. From there they attend junior high, grades 5 through 8. All students enter into High School for grades 9-12 and if they are successful, they graduate with a high school diploma and enter the workforce or pursue higher education.

Canada's educational system is similar to the United States. They have three levels, Elementary (Primary School), Secondary (High School) and Post Secondary (University-College). One of the differences between the schools system is that in Canada there student's progress through three systems as well but each system may vary depending on the provinces. The Canadian government provides each child the opportunity to attend free. In the United States, education is free and mandatory until a certain age. In Canada, a child can quit if they are 16 years old. Canada spends about 7% of its gross domestic product (GDP) and the United States spends about 4.9% of GDP.

Drugs and the lack of motivated teachers and low pay are some of the problems plaguing both educational systems. Most school principals and faculty have made it priority number one, protecting and preventing drug from entering schools. The best way to do that is by hiring security and providing barriers to keep drug dealers out. Providing drug education is also important to curbing drug usage. Schools system cannot do it alone and rely on parents to educate there children on ...

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.... We no longer have to go to the library for example to conduct research. We can use our home computers at home. Kids are learning at an early age to be computer literate. The fact that we are in the technological age has changed how we learn and gather information. The government deserves credit for inventing the internet and trying to change laws to improve pay and hold teachers accountable. During the past election, there was so much talk about the government role in improving education. Our current president believes ultimately parents have to ensure there kids meet the challenges of the future.

Advancements in technology and desires of both governments have brought about many changes in how we prepare our children to be productive citizens. However, we still have a long way to go in dealing with some of the social issues that have made educating our children.

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