INCA Education around the world
USA : Education Structure (ages 3-19)
3.2.1 First phase: Pre-compulsory, age 3 - 5/6
3.2.1.1 Admissions criteria
3.2.1.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
3.2.2 Second phase: Elementary (primary and lower secondary), age 5/6 - 13/14
3.2.2.1 Admissions criteria
3.2.2.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
3.2.3 Second phase: Elementary (primary and lower secondary), age 5/6 - 13/14
3.2.3.1 Admissions criteria
3.2.3.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
3.2.4 Third phase: High school (upper secondary), age 14/15 - 17/18
3.2.4.1 Admissions criteria
3.2.4.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours).
3.2 Educational phases (ages 3 - 19)
Public schooling in the United States generally begins with a kindergarten year, prior to compulsory education starting in Grade 1 (or first Grade) and continuing through to around Grade 12. Most students enrol in kindergarten at around age 5 and the typical age for Grade 12 graduation is 18. In most states, attendance is mandatory between the ages of 6 and 16. Grades 1-12 are divided in various ways, dependent on the particular state. They may, for example, be divided into:
- Elementary school (Grades 1-8, children aged 6-14) and high school (Grades 9-12, students aged 14+-18) (the model around which this Archive is organised).
- Primary school (kindergarten to Grade 2, children aged 5-8); intermediate school (Grades 3-6, ages 8+-12); junior high school (Grades 7-9, ages 12+-15); and senior high school (Grades 10-12, ages 15+-18) (Grade 6 is included in junior high school in some states).
- Some districts use a middle school model where elementary school is Grades 1-5 (children aged 6+-11), middle school Grades 6-8 (ages 11+-14) and high school encompasses Grades 9-12 (students aged 14+-18).
3.2.1 First phase: Pre-compulsory, age 3 - 5/6
The first phase in the education system in the USA is pre-compulsory (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten) education which generally caters for those aged 3 - 5/6. In most states the curriculum for the kindergarten year (the year immediately prior to the commencement of compulsory education, children usually aged 5-6) is part of the overall framework for the curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12 (children aged 5+ to 17/18). Details are therefore provided in sections 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5 and 5.2.6.
National/general
Virtually all states offer some publicly-funded pre-compulsory kindergarten (for 5- to 6-year-olds) or pre-kindergarten education for children at age 4 or 5 years, but enrolment is usually voluntary. In some locations, there are public or private pre-schools or other programmes serving 3-year-old children. Much of this provision is aimed at children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, for example, low income families or teenage parents. 158
Most states subsidise kindergarten in at least some districts or for a portion of the school day. Some states, however, still do not require districts to offer kindergarten education. Some states also supplement federal aid to serve additional children through the 'Head Start' programme for disadvantaged 3- to 5-year-olds (see below). 158
A 2003 National Center for Education Statistics report (Prekindergarten in US Public Schools: 2000-2001 http://www.nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2003019) estimated that, in the 2000-01 school year, pre-kindergarten classes were available in around 35 per cent of all public elementary schools. (Availablility varies from region to region, with 46 per cent of elementary schools in the south east of the USA, for example, offering such classes, compared with 30 per cent in the north east.) Some 20 per cent of the children enrolled in pre-kindergarten classes at public elementary schools were 3-year-olds; 68 per cent were 4-year-olds; and 9 per cent were 5-year-olds. The remaining three per cent were less than 3 years old.
Other early years education is provided in nursery schools (often privately run); in parent cooperatives (employing and assisting a qualified teacher); in community daycare centres offering full-time care for the children of working mothers or those whose parents are ill; or in child development centres catering for those in disadvantaged areas. Fees for parents are often supplemented with private and (state and federal) government funds. 23
State licensing standards for early education tend to consist of ensuring that children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment, commonly addressing group size, the child:carer ratio, and physical features, such as the height of playground equipment. Licensing standards rarely, if ever, address the learning aspects of early care and education.158
Early childhood education initiative
In 2002, the Federal Government announced the introduction of a federal initiative to improve early childhood education across the United States. As mentioned above, most children in the USA currently start school in (pre-compulsory) kindergarten classes at around the age of 5. The Bush early childhood initiative seeks to strengthen the provision children receive before that time so that they are prepared for the learning which takes place on entry to kindergarten. Under the programme, pre-kindergarten services are more closely coordinated with state kindergarten and compulsory education goals; liaison and communication with pre-kindergarten teachers, caregivers and parents is being improved; and the federal 'Head Start' programme for young children and their parents from low income families is also being improved. Further information is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/earlychildhood
Kentucky
In addition to a kindergarten year for 5- to 6-year-olds, Kentucky provides a state-wide publicly-funded pre-school programme for at-risk 4-year-olds and all 3- and 4-year-olds with developmental difficulties.44
Maryland
Kindergarten
Since 1992, every 5-year-old Maryland child has been required to attend kindergarten. This kindergarten experience is required, unless parents feel that it is not in the child's best interest to be in school at age 5.8 See 3.2.1.1 for further details.
Kindergarten education for 5-year-olds is often provided in elementary schools. See section 3.2.2 below.
Pre-kindergarten
In addition to expecting all 5-year-old children to attend a kindergarten year prior to the commencement of compulsory education at age 6, Maryland also operates an Extended Elementary Education Programme (EEEP). This is a state-funded pre-kindergarten programme for 4-year-old children who are potentially at-risk of failing in school. The overall goal of EEEP is to provide learning experiences to help children develop and maintain the basic skills necessary for successful school performance. The programme aims to provide developmentally appropriate experiences that address the literacy, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of young children. It is offered in selected schools state-wide.64
Each EEEP site caters for 40 children and is staffed by one state-certified early childhood teacher and a qualified full-time assistant.64
Massachusetts
In addition to the kindergarten year provided for children aged 5 to 6 years, early childhood education services are offered to at-risk 3- and 4-year-old children, usually at no cost to their families. In addition, state funding is also provided to make early childhood education programmes affordable to the working parents of 3- and 4-year old children. Outreach and education services are also provided to certain families with children ages birth to 3 years.
Wisconsin
In addition to a kindergarten year for 5- to 6-year-olds, Wisconsin offers pre-kindergarten programmes to an increasing number of 4-year-olds and to 3-year-olds who are regarded as being at risk or who have developmental difficulties.
All Wisconsin school districts offer kindergarten programmes for 5-year-old children. These programmes vary from district to district with some being part-day, some full-day, and some districts providing the option of both. Some Wisconsin school districts also offer kindergarten programmes to children under the age of 5.116
3.2.1.1 Admissions criteria
National/general
Enrolment in public or private kindergarten, pre-kindergarten or pre-school class is usually voluntary.8
In the United States, principals and local school boards determine admissions criteria and limits without reference to any national set of rules.94
Kentucky
In Kentucky, any child aged 5 may be admitted to the kindergarten year for 5- to 6-year-olds. In addition, the state provides a pre-school programme for at-risk 4-year-olds and all 3- and 4-year-olds with developmental difficulties.44
Prior to commencing publicly-funded kindergarten or compulsory level education, children in Kentucky are required to undergo a physical examination.45
Maryland
Pre-kindergarten
Each local school system's enrolment policies and practices determine the eligibility of 4-year-old children to receive pre-kindergarten education as part of the Extended Elementary Education Programme (EEEP), see 3.2.1. Each local area does, however, aim to ensure that those children with the greatest educational need are enrolled in EEEP. Children who have limited English proficiency, or are homeless, for example, or who have previously been enrolled in a programme to assist disadvantaged youngsters, are automatically eligible. In addition, those children who have been referred from other school system programmes or local agencies, have emergency and health situations, or difficult home and family circumstances are given priority to be eligible for this programme. If additional spaces are available, those eligible children outside the attendance areas of the school may be enrolled.64
Kindergarten
Since 1992, every 5-year-old Maryland child has been required to attend kindergarten. Children must enrol either in a publicly-funded school kindergarten or an approved alternative programme prior to entrance into first Grade, at age 6.69
Until 2002, those children who reached the age of 5 before 31st December in a given year began kindergarten in the September of that year (e.g children who were 5 before 31st December 2001, began kindergarten in September 2001). Legislation was passed in 2002 and was phased in gradually during the period 2002-2007, so that children must now turn 5 by 1st September of a given year to start kindergarten that September. Similar changes in cut-off dates were introduced for 4-year-olds entering pre-kindergarten and for 6-year-olds entering first Grade. 154
Parents may request that children start kindergarten later if they believe that delaying attendance is in their child's best interest. To do this, they must obtain a "level of maturity waiver" through the local superintendent of schools, which allows attendance in kindergarten to be delayed due to the child's level of maturity. 69
Children's readiness to proceed from the kindergarten year to Grade 1 is often assessed using the Maryland Model for School Readiness. Further details are provided in section 6.1.1.
Wisconsin
No child may be admitted to a pre-kindergarten programme for 4-year-olds unless he or she is 4 years old on or before 1 September in the year that he or she proposes to enter pre-kindergarten. Similarly, no child may be admitted to a kindergarten programme for 5-year-olds unless he or she is 5 years old on or before 1 September in the year he or she proposes to enter kindergarten.120
Under the 'open enrolment' programme in Wisconsin, children in Grades kindergarten to 12 are able to attend any public school in the state, provided that space is available. Previously, children usually attended the school in their immediate vicinity. Children may attend pre-kindergarten or early childhood programmes (for children under 5) in a different school district to the one in which they are resident, only if the student's resident school district also provides such a programme and if the student is eligible for the programme.116
Applications, which are sent to the school district parents wish their child(ren) to attend, are usually made in the February before the start of the school year (September). Where applications are successful, transportation to school is the responsibility of the parent. Parents may make applications to a maximum of three non-resident school districts for each child. 174
3.2.1.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
National/general
Kindergarten year - children aged 5-6
Although decisions about school schedules across the United States are generally left to local boards, every state has a minimum school-year requirement, generally expressed in days. A common standard is 180 days of school per year.108 A five-day week is usual (Monday to Friday), with a school day of five to seven hours and a short break for lunch.23 Individual states have the right to establish and regulate the length of the school term.27 Consequently organisation of the school year can vary considerably from state to state. However, most states operate the traditional school year, running generally from September to June, and consisting of three 12-week terms, with two or more weeks' break at Christmas and in the spring, and 10/11 weeks in the summer. There are usually no mid-term breaks, other than days for national holidays. Some systems also have a voluntary summer school.23,97
In some states, year-round schools are also in operation. These operate on a 12-month schedule instead of the traditional 10-month one described above. A year-round school schedule (utilising a 45/15 plan, see below, which is common) requires students to attend school for 180 days with the vacations spread throughout the year. Students attend school for 45 days (nine school weeks) and then have a vacation for 15 days (three school weeks). There can also be a one-week winter vacation and one-week spring vacation with an additional nine days off for national holidays.71
Pre-kindergarten education
A 2003 National Center for Education Statistics report (Prekindergarten in US Public Schools: 2000-2001 http://www.nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2003019) estimated that, in the 2000-01 school year, 68 per cent of pre-kindergarten classes in elementary schools (for children aged 3+) followed half-day schedules and 32 per cent full-day schedules.
Maryland
Kindergarten
The Maryland General Assembly passed a Bill in April 2002 requiring all school districts across the state to extend all their kindergarten classes to full-day schedules by the 2007-08 school year. 154
Pre-kindergarten
Extended Elementary Education Programme (EEEP) sites providing pre-kindergarten education for 4-year-olds (see 3.2.1) generally operate one morning and one afternoon session five days a week for a minimum of 2.5 hours daily per session.64
Wisconsin
Legislation requires that each school board should schedule at least 180 school days annually, "less any days during which the State Superintendent determines that school is not held or educational standards are not maintained as the result of a strike by school district employees". School boards must also annually schedule at least 437 hours of direct student instruction in kindergarten.
3.2.2 Second phase: Elementary (primary and lower secondary), age 5/6 - 13/14
National/general
Generally, when the term 'elementary' is used in the United States, it refers to education from kindergarten Grade (children usually aged 5-6) to Grade 8 (aged 13+). However, an elementary school is any school which is classified as such by state and local practice and composed of any span of Grades not above Grade 8. A pre-compulsory or kindergarten school is included under this heading only if it is an integral part of an elementary school or an established school system.89
Since the turn of the century, most US schools have been co-educational, although single sex private and public schools do exist in some states.
Some states have introduced 'magnet' schools, which offer a particular educational philosophy or curricular speciality and, generally, draw students from any part of the state (not just their immediate vicinity).24 For information on "charter schools", see section 2.1.3.
Kentucky
Kentucky's compulsory attendance laws require that every child between the ages of 6 and 16 should be enrolled in school (or in some form of alternative provision, see 3.1).46 Most 5-year-olds do, however, attend school in the pre-Grade 1 kindergarten year. Elementary education in Kentucky extends from kindergarten Grade to Grade 8 (children aged 5+ to 14), but is usually divided into primary, intermediate and middle level programmes. Primary level programmes serve children from the time they enter elementary school (usually in the voluntary kindergarten year, age 5+, or at age 6 in Grade 1) until they enter Grade 4 (age 9+); intermediate level education provides for children in Grades 4 and 5 (aged 9+-11); and middle level programmes are for those children in Grades 6-8 (aged 11+ to 14).32
3.2.2.1 Admissions criteria
General/national
In the United States, principals and local school boards determine admissions criteria and limits without reference to any national set of rules,94 but public schools must, in theory, admit anyone who lives within the school's attendance area.90
Students generally attend the school in their immediate neighbourhood. However, many states now allow students to attend either a school in their immediate neighbourhood, or another school in or out of the district in which they reside. Some states have introduced such choices in all districts; some allow districts themselves to decide whether intra- or inter-district choice should be available. State 'magnet' schools are seen as a more limited form of inter-district choice, offering a particular educational philosophy or curricular speciality and may draw students from any part of the state.24 (See section 2.1.3 for information on "charter schools".)
Federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA) does, however, require that all students with disabilities be educated in the 'least restrictive education environment appropriate'. Consequently, most students requiring special education are educated in their local school district, in educational settings with non-disabled students. Students with severe disabilities may be placed in self-contained classrooms within a mainstream/ordinary school for all or part of the day, or may be in special schools.1
Kentucky
Kentucky's compulsory attendance laws require that every child between the ages of 6 and 16 should be enrolled in school (or in some form of alternative provision, see 3.1).46
A physical examination is required by the Kentucky Board of Education for all students upon initial admission to public school.45
Maryland
In Maryland, schooling is compulsory for children aged 6-16 years.8 Admissions criteria are determined by local and district policy,107 but a kindergarten experience (from age 5-6) is generally required, unless parents feel that it is not in the child's best interest to be in school at age 5.8 (Further details are provided in sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.1.1.)
Until 2002, those children who reached the age of 6 before 31st December in a given year began first Grade in the September of that year (e.g children who were 6 before 31st December 2001, began first Grade in September 2001). Legislation was passed in 2002, and phased in gradually during the period 2002-2007, so that children must now turn 6 by 1st September of a given year to start first Grade that September. Similar changes in cut-off dates were introduced for 4-year-olds entering pre-kindergarten and for 5-year-olds entering kindergarten. 154
Children's readiness to proceed from the kindergarten year to Grade 1 is often assessed using the Maryland Model for School Readiness. Further details are provided in section 6.1.1.
Massachusetts
Each child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he or she attains the age of 6. Each school committee may establish its own minimum permissible age for school attendance, provided that this age is not older than the mandatory minimum age.80
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, children must normally attend school between the ages of 6 and 18 years. A parent or guardian does, however, have the right to select a home-based private educational programme (HBPEP) for her or his child or children, see 3.1.114
No child may be admitted to the first Grade unless he or she is 6 years old on or before 1 September in the year that he or she proposes to enter school.120
Under the 'open enrolment' programme in Wisconsin, children in Grades kindergarten to 12 are able to attend any public school in the state, provided that space is available. Previously, students usually attended the school in the school district in which they were resident.116 Applications, which are sent to the school district parents wish their child(ren) to attend, are usually made in the February before the start of the school year (September). Where applications are successful, transportation to school is the responsibility of the parent. Parents may make applications to a maximum of three non-resident school districts for each child. 174
3.2.2.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
National/general
Although decisions about school schedules across the United States are generally left to local boards, every state has a minimum school-year requirement, generally expressed in days. A common standard is 180 days of school per year.108 A five-day week is usual (Monday to Friday), with a school day of five to seven hours and a short break for lunch.24 Individual states have the right to establish and regulate the length of the school term.27 Consequently organisation of the school year can vary considerably from state to state. However, most states operate the traditional school year, running generally from September to June, and consisting of three 12-week terms, with two or more weeks' break at Christmas and in the spring, and 10/11 weeks in the summer. There are usually no mid-term breaks, other than days for national holidays. Some systems also have a voluntary summer school.24,129
In some states, year-round schools are also in operation. These operate on a 12-month schedule instead of the traditional 10-month one described above. A year-round school schedule (utilising a 45/15 plan, see below, which is common) requires students to attend school for 180 days with the vacations spread throughout the year. Students attend school for 45 days (nine school weeks) and then have a vacation for 15 days (three school weeks). There can also be a one-week winter vacation and one-week spring vacation with an additional nine days off for national holidays.130
Wisconsin
Legislation requires that each school board should schedule at least 180 school days annually, "less any days during which the State Superintendent determines that school is not held or educational standards are not maintained as the result of a strike by school district employees". School boards must also annually schedule at least 1,050 hours of direct student instruction in Grades 1 to 6 (students aged 6-12 years) and 1,137 hours of direct student instruction in Grades 7 to 12 (12- to 18-year-olds). Scheduled hours include recess (breaks) and time for students to transfer between classes but do not include the lunch period.
3.2.3 Second phase: Elementary (primary and lower secondary), age 5/6 - 13/14
National/general
Generally, when the term 'elementary' is used in the United States, it refers to education from kindergarten Grade (children usually aged 5-6) to Grade 8 (aged 13+). However, an elementary school is any school which is classified as such by state and local practice and composed of any span of Grades not above Grade 8. A pre-compulsory or kindergarten school is included under this heading only if it is an integral part of an elementary school or an established school system.89
Since the turn of the century, most US schools have been co-educational, although single sex private and public schools do exist in some states.
Some states have introduced 'magnet' schools, which offer a particular educational philosophy or curricular speciality and, generally, draw students from any part of the state (not just their immediate vicinity).24 (For information on "charter schools", see section 2.1.3.)
Kentucky
Kentucky's compulsory attendance laws require that every child between the ages of 6 and 16 should be enrolled in school (or in some form of alternative provision, see 3.1).46 Most 5-year-olds do, however, attend school in the pre-Grade 1 kindergarten year. Elementary education in Kentucky extends from kindergarten Grade to Grade 8 (children aged 5+ to 14), but is usually divided into primary, intermediate and middle level programmes. Primary level programmes serve children from the time they enter elementary school (usually in voluntary kindergarten year, age 5+, or at age 6 in Grade 1) until they enter Grade 4 (age 9+); intermediate level education provides for children in Grades 4 and 5 (aged 9+-11); and middle level programmes are for those children in Grades 6-8 (aged 11+ to 14).32
3.2.3.1 Admissions criteria
National/general
In the United States, principals and local school boards determine admissions criteria and limits without reference to any national set of rules, but public schools must, in theory, admit anyone who lives within the school's attendance area.94
Students generally attend the school in their immediate neighbourhood. However, many states now allow students to attend either a school in their immediate neighbourhood, or another school in or out of the district in which they reside. Some states have introduced such choices in all districts; some allow districts themselves to decide whether intra- or inter-district choice should be available. State 'magnet' schools are seen as a more limited form of inter-district choice, offering a particular educational philosophy or curricular speciality and may draw students from any part of the state90. (See section 2.1.3 for information on "charter schools".)
Federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA) does, however, require that all students with disabilities be educated in the 'least restrictive education environment appropriate'. Most students requiring special education are educated in their local school district, in educational settings with non-disabled students. Students with severe disabilities may be placed in self-contained classrooms within a mainstream/ordinary school for all or part of the day, or may be in special schools.24
Kentucky
Kentucky's compulsory attendance laws require that every child between the ages of 6 and 16 should be enrolled in school (or in some form of alternative provision, see 3.1).46
A physical examination is required by the Kentucky Board of Education for all students upon initial admission to public school.45
Maryland
In Maryland, schooling is compulsory for children aged 6-16 years.8 Admissions criteria are determined by local and district policy,107 but a kindergarten experience (from age 5-6) is generally required, unless parents feel that it is not in the child's best interest to be in school at age 5.18 (Further details are provided in sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.1.1.)
Children's readiness to proceed from the kindergarten year to Grade 1 is often assessed using the Maryland Model for School Readiness. Further details are provided in section 6.1.1.
Massachusetts
Each child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he or she attains the age of 6. Each school committee may establish its own minimum permissible age for school attendance, provided that this age is not older than the mandatory minimum age.80
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, children must normally attend school between the ages of 6 and 18 years. A parent or guardian does, however, have the right to select a home-based private educational programme (HBPEP) for her or his child or children, see 3.1.114
No child may be admitted to the first Grade unless he or she is 6 years old on or before 1 September in the year that he or she proposes to enter school.120
Under the 'open enrolment' programme in Wisconsin, children in Grades kindergarten to 12 are able to attend any public school in the state, provided that space is available. Previously, students usually attended the school in the school district in which they were resident.116 Applications, which are sent to the school district parents wish their child(ren) to attend, are usually made in the February before the start of the school year (September). Where applications are successful, transportation to school is the responsibility of the parent. Parents may make applications to a maximum of three non-resident school districts for each child. 174
3.2.3.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
National/general
Although decisions about school schedules across the United States are generally left to local boards, every state has a minimum school-year requirement, generally expressed in days. A common standard is 180 days of school per year. 108 A five-day week is usual (Monday to Friday), with a school day of five to seven hours and a short break for lunch.23 Individual states have the right to establish and regulate the length of the school term.27 Consequently organisation of the school year can vary considerably from state to state. However, most states operate the traditional school year, running generally from September to June, and consisting of three 12-week terms, with two or more weeks' break at Christmas and in the spring, and 10/11 weeks in the summer. There are usually no mid-term breaks, other than days for national holidays. Some systems also have a voluntary summer school.23,97
In some states, year-round schools are also in operation. These operate on a 12-month schedule instead of the traditional 10-month one described above. A year-round school schedule (utilising a 45/15 plan, see below, which is common) requires students to attend school for 180 days with the vacations spread throughout the year. Students attend school for 45 days (nine school weeks) and then have a vacation for 15 days (three school weeks). There can also be a one-week winter vacation and one-week spring vacation with an additional nine days off for national holidays.71
Wisconsin
Legislation requires that each school board should schedule at least 180 school days annually, "less any days during which the State Superintendent determines that school is not held or educational standards are not maintained as the result of a strike by school district employees". School boards must also annually schedule at least 1,050 hours of direct student instruction in Grades 1 to 6 (students aged 6-12 years) and 1,137 hours of direct student instruction in Grades 7 to 12 (12- to 18-year-olds). Scheduled hours include recess (breaks) and time for students to transfer between classes but do not include the lunch period.
3.2.4 Third phase: High school (upper secondary), age 14/15 - 17/18
The final years of compulsory upper secondary schooling necessary for graduation are provided in high school, usually including Grades 10-12 (students aged 15-18) or Grades 9-12 (students aged 14-18)).89 High schools are normally comprehensive, that is non-selective.23
Since the turn of the century, most US schools have been co-educational, although single sex private and public schools do exist in some states.
Some states have introduced 'magnet' schools, which offer a particular educational philosophy or curricular speciality and, generally, draw students from any part of the state (not just their immediate vicinity)24. For information on "charter schools", see section 2.1.3.
There are also, in some states, vocational or technical high schools which concentrate on trade and industrial courses. These facilities are also used part-time by adults wishing to retrain.23
3.2.4.1 Admissions criteria
General/national
Public schools in the United States are open to all students and high schools are generally comprehensive, that is non-selective. Some districts have established magnet schools with a focused curriculum or alternative structure.8 Principals and local school boards determine admissions criteria and limits without reference to any national set of rules,94,23 but public schools must, in theory, admit anyone who lives within the school's attendance area.90
Students generally attend the school in their immediate neighbourhood. However, many states now allow students to attend either a school in their immediate neighbourhood, or another school in or out of the district in which they reside. Some states have introduced such choices in all districts; some allow districts themselves to decide whether intra- or inter-district choice should be available. State 'magnet' schools are seen as a more limited form of inter-district choice, offering a particular educational philosophy or curricular speciality and may draw students from any part of the state.24 (See section 2.1.3 for information on "charter schools".)
Federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA) requires that all students with disabilities be educated in the 'least restrictive education environment appropriate'. Most students requiring special education are educated in their local school district, in educational settings with non-disabled students. Students with severe disabilities may be placed in self-contained classrooms within a mainstream/ordinary school for all or part of the day, or may be in special schools.1
Kentucky
Students between the ages of 16 and 18 who wish to terminate their public or non-public education prior to graduating from high school may only do so only after a conference with the principal or his designee. The student's parent or guardian must also generally be involved in this meeting. Written notification of a student's withdrawal must be received from the student's parent or guardian at the time of withdrawal and the parent(s) and student are also required to attend a one-hour counselling session with a school counsellor on the potential problems for non-graduates.45
Maryland
Admissions criteria are determined by local and district policy.107
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, children must normally attend school between the ages of 6 and 18 years. A parent or guardian does, however, have the right to select a home-based private educational programme (HBPEP) for her or his child or children, see 3.1.114
The local school board usually determines the minimum standards for admission to high school. A certificate or diploma or other written evidence issued by a school board showing that the student has completed the course of study in elementary school is usually required.115
A student over 20 years of age may be admitted to school if, in the judgement of the school board, he or she will not interfere with the education of students of school age.120
Under the 'open enrolment' programme in Wisconsin, students in Grades kindergarten to 12 are able to attend any public school in the state, provided that space is available. Previously, students usually attended the school in the school district in which they were resident.116 Applications, which are sent to the school district parents wish their child(ren) to attend, are usually made in the February before the start of the school year (September). Where applications are successful, transportation to school is the responsibility of the parent. Parents may make applications to a maximum of three non-resident school districts for each child. 174
Since January 1998, school districts have been required, provided there is space available in the classroom, to admit private school or home-schooled students to take up to two courses per semester (term) in high school. Students must be resident in the school district in which they are applying and must satisfy the high school admission standards of the school district. They may take core courses such as maths and science or non-core courses such as art and music.115
3.2.4.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
National/general
Although decisions about school schedules across the United States are generally left to local boards, every state has a minimum school-year requirement, generally expressed in days. A common standard is 180 days of school per year. 108 A five-day week is usual (Monday to Friday), with a school day of five to seven hours and a short break for lunch. 23 Individual states have the right to establish and regulate the length of the school term.27 Consequently organisation of the school year can vary considerably from state to state. However, most states operate the traditional school year, running generally from September to June, and consisting of three 12-week terms, with two or more weeks' break at Christmas and in the spring, and 10/11 weeks in the summer. There are usually no mid-term breaks, other than days for national holidays. Some systems also have a voluntary summer school.23,97
In some states, year-round schools are also in operation. These operate on a 12-month schedule instead of the traditional 10-month one described above. A year-round school schedule (utilising a 45/15 plan, see below, which is common) requires students to attend school for 180 days with the vacations spread throughout the year. Students attend school for 45 days (nine school weeks) and then have a vacation for 15 days (three school weeks). There can also be a one-week winter vacation and one-week spring vacation with an additional nine days off for national holidays.71
Wisconsin
Legislation requires that each school board should schedule at least 180 school days annually, "less any days during which the State Superintendent determines that school is not held or educational standards are not maintained as the result of a strike by school district employees". School boards must also annually schedule at least 1,050 hours of direct student instruction in Grades 1 to 6 (students aged 6-12 years) and 1,137 hours of direct student instruction in Grades 7 to 12 (12- to 18-year-olds). Scheduled hours include recess (breaks) and time for students to transfer between classes but do not include the lunch period.
