[kellynch]

They should bring back vocational/technical schools.

Say what you will about France, but they determine pretty early on which track(s) students should take, and students who are not academically inclined aren't given a bill of goods about how important a college education is. They are sent to schools where they learn skills that they are suited for.

[WesternPacific]

They should bring back vocational/technical schools.

As an educator I totally agree. As to the argument that students are not mature or smart enough to choose a path, I say so we will choose one for them. Most of these students have unrealistic goals of being rappers or music producers anyway. In my opinion, it wouldn't hurt to force them into a vocation just in case they do not become the next famous whatever. May reduce the future welfare rolls.

[jonascord]

I am WAY leery of letting some "guidance counselor" with the IQ of a carrot and the politics of Stalin decide where 12 year olds should go to learn a living. I've run into too many so-called "educators" who I wouldn't trust with a sharp object.

To admire France because they force fit pegs into holes as Socialist parts of some grand government-run economic model is, well, A STEAMING COW PATTY!!!

[Lokibob]

They should bring back vocational/technical schools.

 

Bring me up to speed.  Where did the vocational / technical schools go?  I hired a lot of people with assiciate degrees in electronics.  I have a grandson with an associate degree in aircraft mechanics from Embry/Riddle.  advertisments on TV for all kinds of technical schools, from massage therapy to computer sciences.  Oh, I forgot, my son has an associate degree in information technology, and is making a 6 figure income.

 

So when you say "They should bring back vocational/technical schools", I get confused.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Say what you will about France, but they determine pretty early on which track(s) students should take, and students who are not academically inclined aren't given a bill of goods about how important a college education is.

Chalk that up to the legacy of American egalitarianism - we can't officially admit that there are students who are not academically inclined. Most other countries don't have a problem saying, "Uh...kid? Maybe medical school isn't for you."

[ThisLittleLightofMine]

Yes but who determines this....the state....no thanks.

[Amelia]

Say what you will about France, but they determine pretty early on which track(s) students should take, and students who are not academically inclined aren't given a bill of goods about how important a college education is. They are sent to schools where they learn skills that they are suited for.

Yes, but the American myth is that everyone should go to college, so they can get a good job, and parents don't like to hear that their child just isn't college material.

If they aren't doing well in math or English, however, the chances are slim....