Throughout most of U.S. history, American high school students were routinely taught vocational and job-ready skills along with the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic. Indeed readers of a certain age are likely to have fond memories of huddling over wooden workbenches learning a craft such as woodwork or maybe metal work, or any one of the hands-on projects that characterized the once-ubiquitous shop class.
But in the 1950s, a different philosophy emerged: the theory that students should follow separate educational tracks according to ability. The idea was that the college-bound would take traditional academic courses (Latin, creative writing, science, math) and received no vocational training. Those students not headed for college would take basic academic courses, along with vocational training, or “shop.”
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We need to bring back reform school.
ReplyDeleteI did the math. That's 60% of high school students who end up with no useful degree. And yet parents keep pushing their kids to college even when it is doubtful they will get any use out of it!
ReplyDeleteWhoever said "all kids deserve a college education", is an idiot.
ReplyDeleteAhh...remembering when educators would steer those without "booksmarts" into auto shop. Not only do auto techs today have plenty of booksmarts, many earn 100k...gonna keep my tools!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Trump already working on this? From what I have heard him say and his meetings with potential employers this is the route he is working to obtain. IMO the vocational school will soon make a come back, lead by Trump.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Not every kid is destined to college. Most kids don't know a thing about electricity, plumbing, carpentry, cars, finances, etc.
ReplyDeleteI've tried to teach mine a little of all of those - at least enough to know where to start. They can't believe how 'dumb' their friends are about these things.
No use having a building boom there's not enough skilled workers to do it.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, we already have a great vocational program at Parkside. It's called Career & Technology Education. From electricians, plumbing, auto, agricultural, construction and manufacturing engineering to name just a few.
ReplyDeleteOur business brings in a couple of paid-interns/students each year, giving them real world experience and a paycheck. Some have become full time employees after graduation.
He who had a trade had an estate. Let mind be equally drawn with skill.
ReplyDelete2:33 right illegals are doing most trades except those that require a license, plumbing, electrical and HYAC.
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