Ed Weekly Blog #7, 2-18-11

The following is a response to the Ed Weekly article titled, "College for All Confronted" by Catherine Bewertz in volume 30, issue number 20.

This article looks at Harvards report on diverse academic paths and if the college for all program is worth while. The article explains that a college preparation program should be atarted in elementary school and continue through high school. Ideally, a college prep program looks at the interests of the child and their career interests and then designs an individual program that puts them on track toward that career. For example, a student who want to be in the medical field (we'll say nursing), will begin their track by focusing on and completing higher level science, health and math during high school. They may even be able to complete some college coursework their junior and senior year of high school. After High school, their track may suggest they begin working on their associates with certified nursing assistant coursework along the way. Once they have finished their two year LPN program, they may continue with their bachelor's and work toward their RN license and after that they may go on to a master's or a nursing specialty. One thing this college prep program talks about is that every student does not want or is not capable of completing a traditional four year degree. This is very important to recognize, that each student has individual needs, goals and abilities. Another example, may be a freshman student in high school who wants to be an electrician. Their track would look very different than the one mentioned above. This student may shadow a couple electricians in the community first, and then they could research aspects of the career to see if it is right for them. They may look into the union and ask other prefessionals specifics about the job, such as pay, benefits, work load, supply and demand, where the jobs are, who the jobs are with etc. This student would also take the higher level math and science courses at school. Then, right thereafter, they can begin to apply for apprentiships and a trade school that will give them the credentials they need to work in the field. A good college prep (or career prep) program gives the student more than one option or path and clear expectation of the time committment for each path. Overall, society, including president Obama suggest everyone spend at least one year post high school training for a career in order to be employable and to make a living wether they go through a traditional four year college program or not.