EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES AND IN AMERICA

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES

The education system in the Philippines has largely been shaped by its colonial
history, particularly by the Spanish and American cultures. Today, the system is largely
modelled on the US education system.
Education in the Philippines fares poorly compared with other countries in the
region. While primary education is compulsory until the 6th grade. Filipino and English
are the main languages of instruction at all public and private schools in the Philippines.
From grades 1 to 3, students are taught in the dominant language of their particular
region. Class are held in either English or Filipino from then on.
The school year for both public and private schools in the Philippines normally runs
from June to March or April. A typical school week is Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to
4pm or 5pm. Students usually have an hour lunch break; as school cafeterias are rare,
and many students either go home for lunch or bring their own lunch to school.

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN USA

It is very important for every student who wishes to study in USA to understand
and be aware of the education system. The system begins with kindergarten followed by
12 years of primary and high school education which is compulsory to get admitted to any
graduate college or university. The children enroll themselves into an education system
when they are five or six years of age. A child can choose to study either in private
schools, or home schools or public schools. In America, the school academic year begins
in late August or early September of each year and ends in late May or early June.
In primary or elementary school education, a student will be completing five grades
of education. These five grades of education focus on introducing children to the broad
range of knowledge, basic academic learning, reading and socialization skills they will
need to perform well in their future. This also includes learning basics of mathematics,
English proficiency, science, social studies, physical development and fine arts.
Junior high school (or middle school) and Senior high school together provides
secondary education to the children. Junior high school refers to grade six through eight
and high school begins with ninth grade and progresses to twelfth grade.
The mandatory subjects which are taught in US high schools include:
Science - biology, chemistry and physics
Mathematics - statistics, algebra, geometry and calculus
English - oral languages, humanities, literature and composition
Social Sciences - history, geography and economics.
Most of the states have made health courses mandatory so that the students learn
about first-aid, nutrition, sexuality and drug awareness. Art, foreign language and physical
education is also made compulsory by some schools in the curriculum.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST

Public school systems in USA are supported by a combination of local, state, and
federal government funding. Because a large portion of school revenues come from local
property taxes, public schools vary widely in the resources they have available per
student. Class size also varies from one district to another. Curriculum decisions in public
schools are made largely at the local and state levels; the federal government has limited
influence. In most districts, a locally elected school board runs schools. The school board
appoints an official called the superintendent of schools to manage the schools in the
district. While in the Philippines, most local Filipino children attend public schools, which
are funded by the government and free to attend. The quality of education at public
schools remains poor. Classes are big, teaching material is lacking and teachers are
poorly paid.

Private schools in the United States include parochial schools (affiliated with
religious denominations), non-profit independent schools, and for-profit private schools.
Private schools charge varying rates depending on geographic location, the school's
expenses, and the availability of funding from sources, other than tuition. For example,
some churches partially subsidize private schools for their members. Some people have
argued that when their child attends a private school, they should be able to take the
funds that the public school no longer needs and apply that money towards private school
tuition in the form of vouchers. This is the basis of the school choice movement. Private
schools have various missions: some cater to college-bound students seeking a
competitive edge in the college admissions process; others are for gifted students,
students with learning disabilities or other special needs, or students with specific
religious affiliations. Some cater to families seeking a small school, with a nurturing,
supportive environment. Unlike public school systems, private schools have no legal
obligation to accept any interested student. Admission to some private schools is often
highly selective. Private schools also have the ability to permanently expel persistently
unruly students, a disciplinary option not legally available to public school systems. While
in the Philippines, those who can afford it send their children to private schools. Private
schools are not funded by the government, but follow much the same curriculum as public
schools. Many private schools in the Philippines started as missionary or Christian
schools. Classes are smaller than public schools and facilities and resources are usually
much better.
SOUTHERN LUZON TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION PILAR INC.
Marifosque, Pilar, Sorsogon

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN
THE PHILIPPINES AND
IN AMERICA

Submitted by:

ANGELO M. MARGARATA
Student

Submitted to:

MR. JOHN MARK CANON

Instructor