My Mom did not attend college. My father only took a couple of classes, because in order to become a sergeant he needed a certain amount of college credits. We are not poor, we are not rich. After my parents had graduated high school it was perfectly fine to not attend college and obtain a decent paying job.
Today...EVERYONE NEEDS COLLEGE. As time keeps progressing, it seems as though we are entering an age where EVERYONE NEEDS A MASTERS. In 50 years or so, are we all going to need a Phd to get a decent job?
Friedman, of course, would state that technology is becoming a dominant force in the college world-- we can see this for ourselves! I think Friedman would say that teaching kids technology early in the educational lifespan will only benefit them more later in life when they do enter the college world.
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4 comments:
Why do you think everyone needs to go to college? And what would Friedman say about that?
What is the construction of education and particularly American education in the book? Even though it is not a book about education, the entire text can be read as a wakeup call to educators.
Hey Willis,
I definitly agree with you here. I also think that in order to get a well paying job, you not only need a college degree, but a masters degree as well. My mom graduated college, my father got his GED, and my stepfather graduated college and is now a retired cop. I definitly see where you are coming from. With everything becoming so advanced and the job market becoming more and more competitive, we all need to have the best qualifications. I am not saying that those who do not get a degree will be working in McDonald's for the rest of their lives, but I do not think they will have nearly as many opportunities than those who do get the degrees.
I understand how you feel about education. My father quit high school to help support a family of 13, and when I finally get my Bachelor's Degree I will be the only one of the three children in my family to have made such an accomplishment.
That being said, however, I don't necessarily feel that everyone needs to go to college. Look at some of the "computer geniuses" and their education (or lack thereof). And for some more interesting reading, try the book CHEW ON THIS about the fast food industry. You will find many of those who made their mark in this industry have no college education and yet they went on to become millionaires.
I think education is a wonderful thing, and I wouldn't trade mine for anything in this world. I do, however, think today's youth has the same education we are obtaining in school at their fingertips just be turning on their computer. If they are motivated enough, the world is theirs for the taking. I wish I had had such an opportunity when I was their age. And when I look at the current statistics about students scoring poorly on standardized tests, or students reading abilities declining over the last 8 years, I wonder even more.
I see both sides of the spectrum here. College provides somewhat of a guarantee of a career, yet we are seeing more and more people become very successful without a college degree. I went to college because I didn't want to take the chance of my "famous author" career failing. And I'm glad I did go to college because it has provided me with a firm foundation and new ideas. Now, if I want to, I can write a book and maybe hit it big...but I'll always feel safe with my college degree.
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