A Comparison of Mexico and US Educational Systems

1 A Comparison of Mexico and US Educational Systems Isabel Qui nez, Presenter 1-707-526-1272 ext. 22 Mexican school system is divided in the following levels: Preschool, Elementary, Junior High, High School/Jr. College, and Universities. US school system is divided in the following levels: Elementary, Middle or Jr. High, High School, Jr. College, Vocational, and Universities. Mandatory Preschool Jard n de los Ni os normal class size is 20-25 students and is required for all children from ages 3-5. Students upon completion receive a graduation document which is required before entering primary school. Their third year of preschool is equivalent to our kindergarten. Elementary School: Tipo David Berlanga Historical Landmark in downtown Morelia First thru Sixth grades All elementary schools observed were 1st -6th grade. Most city schools had and school schedules.

2 The school was from 8-12 , and the afternoon school day was from 2-6 Morning and afternoon school day had separate principals. Some teachers taught both morning and afternoon. Recess/Brunch Students eat brunch at this time which they bring from home or purchase on site No designated eating areas Recess is unsupervised students are to resolve issues as they arise Junior High La Secundaria Secundarias in Mexico are for students in grades 7th through 9th grades. They are arranged as first year of secundaria, second year of secundaria and third year of secundaria. Telesecundarias for rural communities Telesecundarias can be found in rural areas through out Mexico . Telesecundarias are equivalent to the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades as in Junior Highs in the US.

3 Every hour the students are given 15 minute televised lessons then are given 45 minutes to complete assignments in their national text book with support of a teacher or para professional. The view from the telesecundaria CONALEP: Trade school (10th-12th) Trades at this particular CONALEP: Tourism and hotel management Culinary Arts Accounting Auto body Mechanics High School/Jr. College Preparatoria o media superior High School is not mandatory in Mexico . Most preparatorias are found only in urban areas which makes education costly to those from rural areas. Approximately only 6% of the students that are of high school age attend a Preparatoria. Students enrolled in preparatorias can either receive a vocational certificate, or get a diploma (Bachillerato) to then move on to a four year University to receive a degree. Preparatorias are arranged in the following manner: 1st year of prepa, 2nd year of prepa & 3rd year of prepa.

4 AHA Equipped band room & school band Mexico s Classroom Technology SMART Boards were observed throughout the schools Interactive classroom support Mexico School Library Due to the limited supply of books students/teachers use them only on site Curriculum First through 6th grades *M xico: Spanish Math Technology Natural Sciences History geography Civics Arts Physical Education English Language Arts/ ELD Math Natural Sciences (4th-6th) History/ geography (4th-6th) Electives (6th in a Middle Sch) Physical Education (at times) *Estados Unidos * Mexico has a national text while the US has state standards. M xico United States C O R ESpanish Language Arts Math Universal History geography Civics Biology Introduction to physics and chemistry Foreign Language English Lang. Arts/ELD Math History Science Physical Education E L E C T IVES Art Physical Education Technology *Elective classes to choose from: Technology Culinary Arts AVID Foreign Languages Art Etc.

5 Curriculum Jr. High/Middle School Grading practices: United States: Letter system : A, B, C, D, F A being the best grade D passing poorly F failed course/subject M xico: Number system : 10 to 5 10 being the best grade 6 passing poorly 5 failed course/subject Types of schools: United States: Public Schools Charter Schools Private Schools Home schooling M xico: Public schools Private schools Educational Structures: Mexico National Secretary of Education State Secretary of Education Deparment Heads by level: preschool, elementary, jr. high, trade schools, and high school (Jefe de departamento) Municipal Superintendents (Jefe de Sector) Superintendents-Supervisores Principals Teachers Parents Students ESTADOS UNIDOS US Secretary of Education State Secretary of Education County Superintendents School District Superintendents School Principals Teachers Students, Parents Mexico s Educational Data: of the general fund in Mexico is earmarked for education 24,153,000 students enrolled in Preschool through 9th grade.

6 * 27 million national texts are disseminated annually throughout the country 1,547,000 certificated Mexican teachers * Mexico s Educational grade level requirements are preschool thru ninth grades Bi-national student Ricardo Martinez, 12 years old Findings from interview: Mexican born Moved to Los Angeles, California for three years Younger brother born in His biggest challenge was language His expectations of the was to experience freedom and it s beautiful landscape Actual experience was the opposite he missed his liberty and freedom from Mexico What he misses from schools is not having to wear a uniform Parents plan to move back to for him to finish high school Local Mexican Consulates offer: Transfer documents -for US students traveling to Mexico for extended periods of time Curricular Alignment Guides -offers high school curriculum taught by grade level in both English and Spanish (to grant appropriate credits) Cultural Traditions on Both Sides of the Border Healdsburg High students Morelia students Questions or GRACIAS!

7 Isabel Qui nez