In 1981, after graduating from High School, like many of my friends, I planned to go to college. Most of my graduating class of over 500, however, entered the work force through factory jobs, skilled labor/ vocation, or military service. Of my friends who started college with me, three dropped out after the first semester. One went to work in the accounting department of a factory, one became an office assistant to a Pathologist, and the other went to work for a photographer. All three knew before enrolling that they didn't want to go to college, but agreed to go for one semester to please their parents. All three had acquired the skills they used to enter the work force while in High School and needed no remedial training to gain employment. All three had successful, financially rewarding careers as they advanced in the fields they chose.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, some important things changed in
America. I don't know all the reasons why factories closed or why my generation expected nicer, newer, bigger lives than those of our parents. I do, however, have some ideas about a few of the
consequent changes which emerged as a result; particularly in the way our children transition into adults, or rather the reason many of our children failed to make a timely transition into adulthood. Somewhere, somehow, my generation became convinced that success depended on obtaining a university degree. Couple that notion with the self-esteem movement which taught us that if we wanted something badly enough, tried with all our might, or wished upon a star, we could accomplish absolutely anything, and you end up with a generation of parents whose expectations were only exceeded by their zeal for them. We scrimped and saved to pay tutors at Sylvan Learning Center and bought education software from late-night T.V. infomercials. We bullied, harangued, prodded, and pushed, (aided and abetted by school systems desperate to give the appearance of "no child left behind.") Meanwhile, our vocational training programs diminished to almost nonexistent in the public schools while more kids borrowed more money to attend more universities from which they would never earn a degree.
consequent changes which emerged as a result; particularly in the way our children transition into adults, or rather the reason many of our children failed to make a timely transition into adulthood. Somewhere, somehow, my generation became convinced that success depended on obtaining a university degree. Couple that notion with the self-esteem movement which taught us that if we wanted something badly enough, tried with all our might, or wished upon a star, we could accomplish absolutely anything, and you end up with a generation of parents whose expectations were only exceeded by their zeal for them. We scrimped and saved to pay tutors at Sylvan Learning Center and bought education software from late-night T.V. infomercials. We bullied, harangued, prodded, and pushed, (aided and abetted by school systems desperate to give the appearance of "no child left behind.") Meanwhile, our vocational training programs diminished to almost nonexistent in the public schools while more kids borrowed more money to attend more universities from which they would never earn a degree. 
The ride eventually stopped and Sallie Mae came a calling. Broke, unskilled, and deeply in debt, many twenty-somethings still live with parents, or must be partially subsidized, i.e. cell phones, car insurance, or medical expenses, to live semi-independently. Some find themselves trapped in service industry jobs, struggling to earn a living and delaying marriage. Having witnessed this in my own son, and in the children of many of my friends and family, I am personally persuaded that most young people should not be pushed into a university track. Instead, High Schools need to reinvent vocational training programs which offer opportunities to learn and practice valuable skills with which young people can obtain entry level, or journeyman positions upon graduation.
As I think back upon my son's life and the lives of so many other children I've known, I believe there may be some early signs that they were never destined to earn a university degree. For what it's worth, I've made a short list of some personal observations I think may be strong indicators that you should steer your child toward early vocational training. This isn't scientific, so take it or leave it.
If your child is in the 7th or 8th grade and still...
1. ...regularly fails to complete assignments or turn in completed school work.
2. ...expresses a profound dislike for school.
3. ...never reads for pleasure despite testing high for reading level and comprehension.
4. ...scores above average on standardized tests, but his/ her grades are consistently low.
5. ...can focus great energy on certain types of activities or challenges for hours, or days.
There you have it. Your smart, able bodied child isn't a scholar. Now, help her to figure out what her aptitudes are and seek out a good VoTech program if your school doesn't currently have one. BONUS: In time, you may never have to hire a repairman, hair stylist, contractor, mechanic or electrician again!
Amen, amen, and amen.
ReplyDeleteWhen we enrolled our oldest PT in high school last year, I went to the parent orientation. It became crystal clear that they believe ALL their students need to be university bound. It's insane. Some of them, yes - by all means. But many of them would be much better served by the tech school, or an apprenticeship. GRRRR!
With three boys I'm concerned that they become men who can/will support a family, and going into a crippling debt situation (which we don't encourage and won't enable) before they even start their working career just doesn't make sense. They're all bright enough to go to university, but don't necessarily even WANT to, and I don't blame them!
Julie
It is interesting to see how similar things are in the Pacific NW. I wondered if it was a regional thing. I wonder how many school systems actually have good vocational training programs in their High Schools.
ReplyDeleteI've head that one of the county schools has some sort of vocational program, but none of the "city" schools have anything at all. Although, the good news is that HS juniors and seniors can participate in a program called Running Start (in Washington, goes by different names elsewhere). They can take classes at the local community college OR tech school, and get dual credit for HS. Some kids graduate with a HS diploma and an AA. Not sure how that works at the tech school, as you don't get a traditional AA, but you could get trained for a trade. The state pays the tuition for those two years, and the student pays books and lab fees. We're definitely headed that direction with our boys!
ReplyDeleteJulie