Understand the factors that shape the character and quality of education in Costa Rica and Jamaica; evaluate the relative importance of the challenges these societies face in trying to offer the best possible education to their children.

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.

2 class periods

• Student Activity Sheet
• 2-Column Table Graphic Organizer
• Newspaper Article or Persuasive Essay Rubric

Students have the opportunity to write an Analytical Essay (see Extension below)

What are the areas where education in Costa Rica or Jamaica is most successful? Where are their greatest challenges? What are the societies doing to try to meet those challenges?

Point of View Students will write a newspaper editorial expressing their opinion on the successes and challenges of the educational systems of either Costa Rica or Jamaica. They will also create a political cartoon that illustrates their opinion on a specific situation or issue. Students will research the issues surrounding education in one of these nations, as well as the changing role of the government and communities in instituting reform efforts.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

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. Photograph by Chalene Helmuth.

To start students thinking about the issues surrounding education in Jamaica or Costa Rica, have them examine the photograph.

Key questions students should answer are:

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

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Assign one of the two countries to each student. Have them consider the following topics:

• Role of the Government
• Sources of Economic Funding
• Curriculum Changes
• Private Schools
• Public Schools
• Role of Private Foundations
• Student Access to Educatio

Tell students that their editorial should be 1-2 pages long and should express their own opinion on which of these topics generate the greatest amount of success and which present the greatest challenge to the quality of education.

Use the Newspaper Article Rubric to assess students' performance

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: What makes a great school great?

Analytical Essay Have students use World Cultures Today to conduct research and write an essay comparing the educational policy of one nation with the educational policies of another country.