Proposal for the Free Republic High School Diploma.

Free Republic ^ | 1/8/05 | Kevin O'Malley

[combat_boots]

Don't forget the dumbing down of college courses, too.............

[Kevin OMalley]

And at least he's a rock climber with a college degree. He would have a better chance of being hired as a rock climber guide than the next guy over who just has his HS diploma.

[WVNan]

we've told him once he has a degree, if he still wants to be a whitewater rafting guide, and it's okay with his wife (when he's married) if he makes only $15,000 a year, then it's okay with us, LOL!

On the other hand he could move to WV and set up his own whitewater rafting company and make a fortune.

[dawn53]

That would make him happy (maybe we should see he gets his MBA on top of his regular degree, LOL)...in his opinion, best rafting is in WV (can't remember the name of the river, starts with a G), he says it's better than the Chatooga or Ocoee.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Professional rock climbers need degrees?

In Geology or Physics?

[Kevin OMalley]

In Geology or Physics?

Art History. Poli Sci. Humanities. Basket weaving.

Take your pick.

[Kevin OMalley]

This is in a Free Republic thread.


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1316944/posts#comment?q=1

[Smokin' Joe]

If he enjoys the outdoors, and is good in math and science, point him toward Geology or geological engineering. He may have a passion lurking there.

[Smokin' Joe]

Here, they do not allow kids to drop out and take the GED. They are not permitted to take the test until their class would have graduated. THat stinks.

[dawn53]

Thanks for the info.

[Smokin' Joe]

Whitewater, rock climbing, (spelunking), Hmmmmm sounded familliar. Whatever he choses, I hope he loves it. Enjoying your job is worth a lot.

[Ellesu]

Yes, I saw it posted later. Thanks.

[Kevin OMalley]

Here, they do not allow kids to drop out and take the GED. They are not permitted to take the test until their class would have graduated. THat stinks.
***I agree. The problem is that the few parents who would like it changed in each district do not have the critical mass to effect the change. That's one reason why I think FR might be the right vehicle for such an agent of change.

[Kevin OMalley]

Bill Gates has declared American high schools "obsolete."





Public education isn't preparing teens

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1367344/posts?page=22#22



The Washington Times ^ | 3-21-05 | Michael Smith


Posted on 03/21/2005 11:12:45 AM PST by JZelle


Bill Gates has declared American high schools "obsolete." In a Feb. 26 speech to the National Education Summit on High Schools, he said "our high schools — even when they're working exactly as designed — cannot teach our kids what they need to know today." These criticisms are not new, but the fact that America's most successful businessman is concerned about how America will survive in a world that requires educated workers should cause people to take notice. Mr. Gates went on to say he was "terrified for our work force of tomorrow."


(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20050320-092252-1935r.htm

[Kevmo]

NEA's Plan for Reducing School Dropouts/ Slavery for 18 to 21 year olds

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1759212/posts?page=191

Interesting thread.

[tbw2]

Petroleum engineering has a high pay rate.

[Lazamataz]

Petroleum engineering has a high pay rate.

So does Pimping, and being a Hit Man.

Guess which two I chose.

[Cyber Liberty]

If it is still a GED and not a Diploma, then no, it’s a bad idea.

[Smokin' Joe]

On the age difference: When I started College I was a mere 17 (it could have been earlier, but I opted not to). At the time, the drinking age in that State was 18 for beer and wine, and I was too young to legally participate in many of the more ordinary social functions on campus. Even a demanding major in a University which requires a wad of 101 courses in other disciplines leaves room for whooping it up a little on weekends, but my age created a potential snag. I looked older, was rarely asked, and ignored the law until I turned 18--something that could be a mite harder to do now.

From my Sophomore year on, it was hit the books time, as the courses in my major were generally more challenging than the basic requirements I had taken, and I spent a lot more time on lab and field assignments.

Had I been 16 when I arrived, or even 15, I am not sure things would have worked out as well. Either I would have blown off the social aspects until later in my education (when I was of age), I might have taken up less 'redneck' pursuits, or I might have decided to get in the social life when I needed to be hitting the books most.

Now, with the changes in laws which have occurred, I think I would not have done as well, and at a younger age I would not have been ready for the wide variety of attitudes, mores, and behaviours I observed even then.

I only had to drop one class because the professor and I spent a class period in disagreement, but now, that situation might be much worse.

Consider carefully, that while your student may be ready academically, there is a lot more going on there than just academic performance.

Community college while living at home with that direct influence continuing for the first couple of years might be the ticket. Just make sure the credits will transfer.

Frankly, unless someone is going Pre-Med, Nursing, Engineering, or hard science (Chem, Bio, Physics, Geology), trade school might be a better option.

[Smokin' Joe]

Petroleum engineering and.....

shucks, I just can't figure out which would be your second choice...