Friday, September 23, 2005
I've been following some of the coverage on this new higher education panel that Margaret Spellings is putting together. Great idea, let's form a committee with no students, parents or teachers on it and talk about how to improve college outcomes.
It seems to me that colleges have to deal with the material that high schools send them. Whether they want to be or not, high schools and colleges are part of a vibrant but flawed American mass culture. Yeah, that's the same mass culture that can't seem to learn how to use an apostrophe or do simple arithmetic. The only scientific knowledge that most Americans will admit to is that Darwinian evolutionary theory isn't complete.
I'm not so worried about the number of facts we haven't memorized, but I do wonder how many people these days are even willing to think about anything.
I do think that the surge in for-profit colleges and community colleges is probably a good thing. We've gotten to a point where everybody is expected to get a bachelor's degree for even the most unrelated careers. I'm pretty sure that the percentage of people who really want to pursue academic study is about the same as it has always been.
Here's my elitest take on all that: Why should those who are interested in something like "Symbolism in Medieval and Renaissance Art" have to endure a watered-down version for those who just need another credit to graduate and get a decent-paying job?
I'm not sure yet where I'm going with this.....
It seems to me that colleges have to deal with the material that high schools send them. Whether they want to be or not, high schools and colleges are part of a vibrant but flawed American mass culture. Yeah, that's the same mass culture that can't seem to learn how to use an apostrophe or do simple arithmetic. The only scientific knowledge that most Americans will admit to is that Darwinian evolutionary theory isn't complete.
I'm not so worried about the number of facts we haven't memorized, but I do wonder how many people these days are even willing to think about anything.
I do think that the surge in for-profit colleges and community colleges is probably a good thing. We've gotten to a point where everybody is expected to get a bachelor's degree for even the most unrelated careers. I'm pretty sure that the percentage of people who really want to pursue academic study is about the same as it has always been.
Here's my elitest take on all that: Why should those who are interested in something like "Symbolism in Medieval and Renaissance Art" have to endure a watered-down version for those who just need another credit to graduate and get a decent-paying job?
I'm not sure yet where I'm going with this.....
Comments:
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The community college thing is definitely a good idea. I agree with you about that as a way of study for many people. Two years gets you an associates degree, which is just about right. AND. If the slings and arrows of life seem to trigger more thought, and more ambition, and eagerness to pursue greater thought? Ok. Do it later, but not at -- necessarily -- 18 or 21. Careers and great thoughts come along at different rates. Maybe some people are REALLY tired of going to classes and learning things when they are young and need to come back later.
# posted by 
: 5:05 PM
: 5:05 PM
The community college thing is definitely a good idea. I agree with you about that as a way of study for many people. Two years gets you an associates degree, which is just about right. AND. If the slings and arrows of life seem to trigger more thought, and more ambition, and eagerness to pursue greater thought? Ok. Do it later, but not at -- necessarily -- 18 or 21. Careers and great thoughts come along at different rates. Maybe some people are REALLY tired of going to classes and learning things when they are young and need to come back later.
# posted by : 5:07 PM
: 5:07 PM
I do think a wonderful education is available in public schools and community colleges- terrific value and opportunity. BUT...I have found that the level of couseling available in the public schools is not always very good-we often don't encourage students to try for goals or aspirations that are above mediocrity. There are a few exceptions but overall, the counseling available in public schools is overworked and not very inspired.
# posted by : 6:17 AM
: 6:17 AM
Hey, when are you going to write an opinion again? Surely you have some thoughts to share with us on something...? I miss your writing.
# posted by : 2:47 PM
: 2:47 PM
I think we need to go to a system like the Japanese. I agree with Fran Leibowitz when she says if the parents aren't going to raise them, somebody has to. Somebody meaning...yes, the good ol' government! Keep their little butts in school from sun up to sun down. Then require them to learn at least two foreign languages and to play an instrument. What? Little Johnny or Janie can't keep up? Then it's off to a technical school. Start them apprenticing in 8th grade. If we would get real in this country, there would be year round training camps for athletes and performers. Who are we kidding? That's what America really values and we don't care if they are literate. Examples; Kobe Bryant, Brittany Spears, Jessica Simpson, Tom Cruise.....
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