American Economy Was Growing at an Exponential

¶ … American economy was growing at an exponential rate with unlimited job opportunities available in almost every industry. With the stock market breaking record highs, new upstart "dot.com" companies making millions in their first year and doubling of jobs in the service sector, a bright and stable future seemed almost a guarantee for many high school students who would soon be entering the job markets. This growth, however short lived, is now in a downhill progression with the plummeting stock market, many computer companies in bankruptcy, and American companies laying people off in record numbers and downsizing nationally. Combine this recession with globalization and American high school students are now facing fierce competition nationally and internationally for jobs. The question is whether or not your average American high school graduate is scholastically prepared to compete for these sought-after jobs? Unfortunately, I don't think so and I hope to provide valid evidence that will support my thoughts. In comparing the Korean school systems with those of the Americans, I feel that the difference is clear.

In America, the curriculum varies from state to state. Even more varied is that of the private schools. Some children can even attend schools that are not accredited educationally, such as Christian schools. These schools tend to have non-licensed teachers, as well as inferior supplies and equipment for the students to use. The schools tend to also divide up depending on their affiliation, and their statements of faith. One of the larger associations, the Association of Christian Schools International states that their vision states "students worldwide will acquire wisdom, knowledge, and a biblical world view as evidenced by a lifestyle of character, leadership, service, stewardship and worship." (ACSI) Such a vision does not include any specific academic goals, so it is almost as if you attend Bible study instead of school. With that being said, there are also Catholic schools, more dominant in the North, along with private schools. Of course, the curriculum in public schools can vary from state to state, with some encouraging Advanced Placement Courses that can be used toward college credit as opposed to some schools who don't allow the AP courses at all.

Foreign language study does not usually begin until high school, when it is harder for children to learn these languages. Some schools offer French, German, Latin, and Spanish while some schools can't even get teachers for any foreign languages. School sizes and the number of teachers per student also vary incredibly depending on where the school is located. The opportunities for vocational programs (cosmetology, etc.) are very regional, as are the number of extra-curricular activities available. Students in America also have their summers off, and attend school for half days, once PE and lunch are factored in.

Uniforms are not just for private schools now that the issue of conflicts over clothing has arisen. The increased violence in the schools of America has reached new levels, and uniforms have been viewed as a solution. One school, in Long Beach, began mandatory uniforms in public schools in 1995 and saw "dramatic decreases in violence, and discipline problems as well as higher test scores." (Wilkins, 1)

Schools are only open as long as the staff is there, which is usually long enough for any after school meetings or detentions. The attitudes of American students can vary tremendously with some not caring, to some truly aspiring to do their best. It is impossible to lump all Americans together because of their ability to vary their attitudes -- it is a free nation, after all. However, entrance to college for most students is guaranteed, because of community colleges. Most prestigious universities remain to be hard to get into, which may be because of the increased number of international and exchange students.

Which leads me to my comparison of Korea's educational system. Korea pretty much requires that students go to primary school and the main emphasis is on the college entrance examination. Korean parents even go so far as to "get private tutors for their children as early as primary school." (LIK) The competition is fierce for college spots, which is why the rigors of Korean education are in sharp contrast to America's. Learning the English language is mandatory. Uniforms are mandatory and the policy is very strict. There are even appearance limitations on the length of someone's hair. While American schools cannot enforce any kind of physical punishment, Korean schools do. The students are also required to clean and polish the floors in the classrooms, which is done by janitors in America.

Their classes last all day long, and many of the schools meet all year round. There are also classes on the weekends, which in certainly not true in America. Libraries and schools also stay open for 24 hours, enabling students to study whenever they want.

Korean-Americans continue the traditions of Korean parents by placing a lot of emphasis on their child's performance. Students are pressured to do well, which carries over when families immigrate and have these customs in their family. Private school is very expensive, and only part of the schooling is "free of charge unless a child goes to a private school." (KFL) "Education is free and compulsory in North Korea for ten years." (Encarta, p.2)