Education Matters

What key pieces of evidence that we discussed support the idea that the United States values education?

• The United States ranks fifth in education spending among OECD nations.

• The United States mandates that students go to college.

• The United States allows students to dropout from school.

• Iowa spends most of its tax revenue on public education.

What other key pieces of evidence that we discussed support the idea that the United States values education?

• The United States allows schools to exist.

• The United States spends $640 billion on education annually.

• The United States has many private schools.

• The United States has about 3.5 million teachers employed.

How are GDP per capita and average years of schooling related?

• As education decreases, GDP increases. Lower education levels lead to wealthier nations.

• As education increases, GDP decrease. Higher education levels lead to poorer nations.

• As education increases, so does GDP. Higher education levels lead to a wealthier nation.

• GDP per capita and average years of schooling are not related.

What is compulsory education?

• Making school mandatory for certain groups of the people.

• Paying certain groups of people to go to school.

• Making school optional for certain groups of people.

• Making education completely free for everyone.

Based on evidence from class, why do countries spend so much on education and make it compulsory?

• They recognize that it allows countries to be more competitive economically.

• They just want smarter people.

• They feel like its the right thing to do.

• The believe that education is necessary to control the population.

What is a democracy?

• A form of government where a small group of people rule.

• A form of government with a rigid set of beliefs that must not be changed.

• A form of government where some people get to vote on some things.

• A form of government where all citizens make societal decisions.

What are some key characteristics of democracy?

• Oppression, control, restriction of speech.

• Freedom of speech, religion, press, and thought.

• Minority Rule, freedom of movement, restriction of trade.

• Censorship, restriction of thought, freedom of assembly.

What is authoritarianism?

• A form of government that listens to all of its people.

• A form of government that takes some freedoms away but leaves most untouched.

• A form of government that tries to minimize its own control.

• A form of government that demands people listen to those in power and restricts freedoms.

What are some key characteristics of authoritarian governments?

• Freedom of speech, religion, press, and thought.

• Restriction of freedoms, try to control thought and actions of citizens.

• Certain rights are respected and others are restricted.

• Minimizing the control and reach of government.

What is the primary goal of education in democracies?

• To build knowledge in students so they can think critically and make informed decision.

• To prepare students to get a job and do well at that job.

• To allow poor students an opportunity to get food and shelter.

• To create a sense of community and transmit ideals and values of democracy.