Archived: The Educational System in the United States: Case Study Findings

The Role of School in United States
Adolescents’ Lives
..............................................
107
By: Barbara Hofer
A Typical Day for an Eighth-Grade Student ..................................................
107
Introduction ...................................................................................................
108
Methodology ..............................................................................................
109
Time Use in Adolescents’ Lives ....................................................................
112
School ........................................................................................................
113
Extracurricular Activities ...........................................................................
116
After-School Activities ................................................................................
119
Homework and Studying ...........................................................................
121
The nature of homework ......................................................................
123
Studying ..................................................................................................
124
Parental involvement in homework ......................................................
125
Chores ........................................................................................................
125
Family .........................................................................................................
126
Leisure Time ..............................................................................................
127
Social Lives .................................................................................................
129
Employment ...............................................................................................
132
Perceptions of School and Education ...........................................................
135
Role of School ............................................................................................
135
Purpose of School ......................................................................................
138

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Responses to School ..................................................................................
140
Positive aspects of school ......................................................................
141
Shortcomings and suggested changes ...................................................
143
Adolescent Concerns .....................................................................................
147
Personal and Interpersonal Concerns .......................................................
148
Adolescent Social Problems .......................................................................
149
Safety issues, violence, and gangs .........................................................
150
Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use ...........................................................
151
Teenage pregnancy ................................................................................
153
Poverty ...................................................................................................
153
Family problems .....................................................................................
154
Other Influences on Adolescents ..................................................................
155
Peers ...........................................................................................................
155
Friendships .............................................................................................
155
Adolescent peer groups .........................................................................
156
Peer influence on perceptions of schooling .........................................
157
Family .........................................................................................................
159
Future expectations ...............................................................................
161
Multiple messages from parents ............................................................
162
Parental involvement in school .............................................................
162
Teacher perceptions of parental involvement ......................................
163
Additional Influences .................................................................................
166
The Transition to Adulthood .........................................................................
167
Connecting Current Education and Future Plans .....................................
168
The Schools’ Role in the Transition ..........................................................
169
Summary ........................................................................................................
171
Chapter 5