I'm a product of the 60's inner city public educational system .... What education I did receive via the "Tracking system of education" I used later on in life to the most beneficial way I could. As a society we have to understand that not everyone between the ages of 11-18 wants nor is interested in getting an education. Those students need a different type of education not one based on advanced learning but more based on functioning education, values, skills and what is expected as an adult. As a business owner today America labor force is of a lower standard of that of 25 years ago. I blame that on the parents, entitlement system and education most likely all three are products of a Union Affiliation.

Belly, who typed that for you?

ernest_t_bass;921317 wrote:Belly, who typed that for you?

clearly he pasted it.

Manhattan Buckeye;921100 wrote:"This is the key to the whole discussion about languages. Schools have a limited amount of time to spend with kids each day, so it's not feasible (or realistic if you consider the wide range if IQs in a public school) to mandate a second language, especially for a graduation requirement."

Then have a two tiered system, which is what other countries do and stop pretending that we're all "equal". Have "college prep" actually mean something.

Did I not suggest that as part of a solution? It's not realistic to believe that everyone should go to college or is even able to pass college courses -- but in our PC world, we don't like to tell a kid's parents their child might be better off in vocational education. Trophies and college degrees for everyone! :rolleyes:

Writerbuckeye;921352 wrote:but in our PC world, we don't like to tell a kid's parents their child might be better off in vocational education.

Not true. Our guidance counselor is very open with kids and parents on which route is better for them.

ernest_t_bass;921313 wrote:ever heard of a career center?

Yep, and apparently they aren't working well enough or there wouldn't be thousands of decent manufacturing and related jobs going unfilled because the labor force doesn't have the skills to run the machinery.

We need to create career paths starting in about 8th grade that include things like apprenticeships; and offer kids training in running common types of equipment that are used in various manufacturing and related businesses that are not now being met. I'm sure companies would be more than willing to work with the schools to develop such course work and training.

This article talks about worker shortages in some of these areas: http://www.jsonline.mobi/more/news/129200543.htm

Writerbuckeye;921356 wrote:Yep, and apparently they aren't working well enough or there wouldn't be thousands of decent manufacturing and related jobs going unfilled because the labor force doesn't have the skills to run the machinery.

We need to create career paths starting in about 8th grade that include things like apprenticeships; and offer kids training in running common types of equipment that are used in various manufacturing and related businesses that are not now being met. I'm sure companies would be more than willing to work with the schools to develop such course work and training.

This article talks about worker shortages in some of these areas: http://www.jsonline.mobi/more/news/129200543.htm

Exactly, writer. In my industry, we are anticipating a wide gap in availability of field forces. There will be a major shortage of plumbers, electricians, and qualified carpenters within the next decade as no one wants to get their hands dirty anymore. Who will fill this void (and who is starting to fill it now)? Quick hint...they don't speak much English.

I think part of it is that we have devalued skilled labor, and for the life of me, I can not fathom why.

I'm sure a portion of it has to do with the buy in of the now-twisted "American Dream". I thought the American Dream was all about the freedom to pursue your dreams as an individual. Somewhere along the way it became all about how much stuff we could get. And thus, college is how to make that happen. Therefore, everyone must go.

Not so fast my friend.