The importance of education as a cultural value in Costa Rica and Jamaica can hardly be overestimated. Teachers, while generally underpaid, are regarded with great respect in both cultures. Literacy rates in Costa Rica are among the highest in the world. Jamaica has had recent success in reorganizing its pre-kindergarten school system. Growing numbers of students have gained access to higher education. Despite these successes, both of the countries face serious challenges to the quality of their educational systems. Economic instability and periodic political instability are just two causes of concern.

You will be assigned topics that reflect the issues surrounding Latin American educational policy from 1960–1990. Use what you have learned to write a newspaper editorial expressing your opinion on which of the topics generates the greatest success and which presents the greatest challenge to the quality of education in Costa Rica or Jamaica. To prepare your editorial, you will research the changing role of the government in improving education, as well as policy changes and controversies over public and private schools, the curriculum offered, and the sources of funding for schools. You will then create a political cartoon that illustrates your opinion on the topic.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Children line up to "vote" at a local public school on election day in Costa Rica. The school is decorated with banners representing the candidates' political parties. Photography by Chalene Helmuth.

• What might the educational purpose of this activity be?
• What values are the schools trying to convey in sponsoring this activity for their students?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research education in Costa Rica and Jamaica. As you read, keep the assigned topics in mind. Remember that your editorial will need to include specific details about the successes and challenges of education in your country.

Use 2-Column Table to take notes as you research your topic. One column should be used to list facts about your topic. In the other column, you should list your opinions.

Write an editorial expressing your opinion on the topic. Remember to mention specific facts from the readings that support your opinion. Your opinion should also be expressed in the political cartoon you will create to accompany your editorial. Your teacher may ask you to share your work with the class.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your writing:

• Did your editorial clearly express an opinion on the assigned topic?
• Did you provide specific facts from your research to substantiate your opinion?
• Did the political cartoon reflect your opinion about the topic?
• Did you share your opinion with the class?