edu 304 - comparative education - National Open University of Nigeria

(a) Preparing teachers for the needs and aspirations of American as
a democratic nation.
(b) Preparing teachers who will later assist in the training of
American children for the purpose of promoting their culture.
The establishment of Jefferson College in Washington among
others in the 1800s marks the beginning of teacher education in
America.
The preparation of primary school teachers is always done by the
normal schools. These normal schools are recognized by the State
Boards of Education for the training of primary school teachers.
The subjects being offered in thee training institutions include:
Administration, psychology, philosophy, History of education.
On the other hand, the secondary school teachers are expected to
be university degree holders after a period of four years either in a
college or in the university.
In most cases, teachers' appointment is always on contract basis
and it is renewable yearly, provided the concerned teacher is still
interested in working in his school. At the same time, the school district
board of education has the constitutional power to terminate the
contract appointment of any of its teachers.
3.4.6 The American University Education
In America, higher education is provided in the colleges of
education, higher technical institutes and universities. In 1862, the
American Government passed the Morrill Act which made it
compulsory for the Americans to make land available to the American
Federal Government for the development of Universities and higher
institutions of learning.
There are two major categories of higher education in America,
they are:
(a) The state universities and colleges which are maintained by
the state and
(b) Independent universities and colleges which are run by
various churches and private individuals. In these private
colleges and universities, high school fees are changed. A
degree programme lasts for four years.
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