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Originally Posted by Alex Stroup
Also, the final sentence of that story highlights something I don't like about how we've come to view K-12. I think all public education should be, at core, vocational and for a lot of people that means it should have a different focus than simply being college preparedness. By forcing everybody into that box I think a lot of people don't see any purpose in what they are doing in high school.
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I totally agree with this. College isn't for everyone. My 10 year old is already tellling me which college she wants to go to, Cambridge is high on her list. I think it sets very un-realistic expectations for a lot of kids causing them to crash and burn later.
Employers aren't helping either. Do you really need a four year degree to be a receptionist? No but at least in LA all the ads required one. I'm an Executive Assistant, all the job listings will say four year degree required and some even want graduate work. Umm for what? Unless college will teach you to make coffee, travel arrangements, be polite on the phone, put up with unreasonable bosses and so on experience is really the key.
There are many careers that pay well but don't require a college education. Specialized training yes, but college no. My cousin puts up sheet rock and makes more than I do.
Other countries have vocational programs instead of college so there are many more options for people. It seems to me here in the US the attitude is if you don't go to college (and you should go to an well known college as well) you're a complete looser.