The most glaring difference between the German schools and American school is that at a very early age German students are seperated into different schools according to their ability. In the US, students are seperated, but not by school. Just the classes that they take. As low as fourth grade, kids are seperated according to their performance and go to either a college prep school or a vocational school to prepare them for a job. THis system limits a young childs future significantly based only on their performance of four years. Lower end students might never have the chance to go to college. In America, Students are free to pursue the job of their choice. There are some pros to the German system however. RIght out of school, students tend to make relativily high wages. But the negative side is that they are not so free to pursue a job they love. THe American system gives everyone an equal shot at college and everyone is able to pusue their passion up until college. Then it is up to the student entirely to make sure he or she meets the criteria. In my opinion, the whole twelve years of school before high school is way to drawn out. I feel that it coold be compressed into 10 maybe 9 years. Too much time is spent repeating things and learning fluffy material instead of being more job focused. American students have way too much time to grow up. I think being forced to be more responsible sooner would help solve alot of the alcohol and drug related problems our nation faces.
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Much of the perceived repetition of the American system is due to the fact that students are not separated as early. While the American system promotes equality, we all know that not all schools are created equal. Depending on what school system a student attends there can be a vast difference in quality of education and therefore the opportunities for different American children. What about the other aspects of education that are not job focused? How important do you think they are and how does each system approach a liberal arts education?
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