Ecology of the School
Schools function in US
universal in that it is open to all
formal in that it is methodical
Prescriptive in that it provides directions based on custom.
Microsystem influences on schools
economics
ethnicity
Religion
Science/technology
families are allowed to chose among schools
school choice is consistent with a democratic form of government that promotes freedom.
choice will foster competition among schools to better educate students.
Individual students will be more empowered to succeed in some schools than in others.
Magnet schools is a public school that offers special educational programs such as science, music, or performing arts, and draws students from different neighborhoods by choice.
School voucher: a certificate issued by the federal government in the amount that local school district would normally spend on the child's education at his or her assigned public school, which parents can apply toward tuition at a private schools or use for reimbursement for home schooling expenses.
Charter School: a school, authorized and funded by a public school district, formed by a group of parents, teachers, or other community members with a shared educational philosophy.
Cultural assimilation: the process whereby a minority cultural group takes on the characteristics of the majority cultural group.
melting pot: the idea that society should socialize diverse groups to blend into a common culture.
Cultural pluralism: mutual appreciation and understand of various cultures and coexistence in society of different languages, religious belies, and lifestyles.
Individualized education program (IEP) is a form of communication between school and family, developed by the group of people (teacher, parents and other involved personnel) responsible for the education of a child with special needs.
Learning style: a consistent pattern of behavior and performance by which an individual approaches educational experiences.