American Social Problems Ch 3: Problems of Education

Chapter Overview I.Objectives II.Introductory Quiz III.Definitions IV.What are the problems? V.What are the solutions? VI.What about next week’s lesson?

I. Objectives A.Understand how and why education is changing B.Identify and discuss major American educational problems C.Identify and discuss solutions to specific educational problems D.Discuss the sociological perspectives of educational problems and their solutions.

II. Introductory Quiz

1. The increasing level of education in America was a major cause of its economic growth in the 20 th century. True

2. The best predictor of achievement in school is social class. True

3. The amount of money spent per student has little direct effect on educational achievement. True

4. African Americans are the most segregated group of students in America today. False

5. Men receive more education than women in the U.S. False

6. About one in every nine Americans is functionally illiterate. True

7. Changes in American family structures are causing major problems in education. True

8. Programs such as Head Start and Title I have good, lasting effects on most of its students. False

9. A school’s most important asset is the quality and dedication of its teachers. True, according to the book.

10. Americans have a lot of faith in education but generally don’t seem to value learning very highly. True

11. One of the functions of education is reducing unemployment by keeping most young people out of the labor market. True

12. Japanese students educated in Japan are better critical thinkers than Americans educated in America. False

13. Some sociologists think that holding school 12 to 14 hours daily, year-round, will improve the stability of families. True

III. Definitions Standard English Ebonics Prep schools Cultural capital

III. Definitions (cont.) Segregated schools De facto segregation De jure segregation Desegregation Resegregation

III. Definitions (cont.) Sexism Authoritarianism Goal displacement Hidden curriculum Functionally illiterate

III. Definitions (cont.) Compensatory education programs Magnet schools Affirmative action program Voucher system Home schooling Latent function

IV. What are the Problems? A.You Tell Me B.Reality Check

V. What are the Solutions? A.The Big Debate B.Tying up loose ends

VI. What About Next Week?