Chapter9 Culture and Education
》》Key Words
■suburbanization
■entertainment
■music
■movies
■television
■media
■sports
■religion
■elementary and secondary education
■public schools
■private schools
■higher education
■liberal arts colleges
■standardized tests
■school violence
American culture is remarkably homogenous and unified despite the country’s large geographical size and many ethnic groups.The dominant past role of English settlers and their descendants has resulted in a common language（English）and culture.However，the United States is a nation of immigrants from all over the world.Native Americans，African Americans，Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans have all contributed to the development of culture.American culture began with imitation of European culture，but it has evolved dramatically to become a unique culture that is now imitated by other countries.
Education has always been a matter of great concern for Americans.National education policies in the United States today aim to achieve universal literacy and to provide as many individuals as possible with full educational opportunity.Many Americans believe that education can create a common bound among the diverse groups that make up the country’s population and help preserve social stability.