Stigma Problem

In 1866, New York was the first state to implement a state-wide system of student testing. One of the results was the bifurcation of students at academies and high schools into two-tiers, only one of which met the Regents standards. This strategy by the school districts accomodated the rising public clamor for access to education, at the same time it allowed the social benefits (read: class privileges) to remain intact.

However, I doubt that the public, whose levels of aspiration for credentials now far outstrip their grasp, would willingly accept the stigma associated with the kinds of lowered expectations proposed. Secondly, without established credential markets already in place, the resulting lack of incentives for completing the new program would doom it to failure.

Isn’t this just another attempt to revive the apprenticeship system? That we are wasting $67 Billion a year on a credentialing system that warehouses students until they enter the work force, I cannot argue against. Afterall, aren’t most job skills are learned on the job?

Glen McGhee, FHEAP, at 9:00 am EST on December 15, 2006

Powerful concept.

What financial incentives would be offered to upper one third college grads to lure them into teaching — and making it a career?There are lots of other sectors in the economy willing to compete for these graduates.

What community/technical college programs would provide students with the specific skills they need to enter the job market if they don’t want to attend and/or can’t qualify for college? This population needs training, connections and incentives to make a difference in their lives — and the social/economic progress of our country.

lm, at 12:16 pm EST on December 15, 2006

Seeking a Revolution

Regardless of what I might think of the concept, having a bright 16 year old in my home now I will just say that if they can go (and I do mean GO) away to college at 16, you can have ‘em! I’m sure our colleagues in student affairs, counseling services and housing just can’t wait.

Arlene, at 2:30 pm EST on December 15, 2006

The right idea?

Copying the German/British model isn’t a bad idea, but it cannot work without a complete overhaul of how higher education is funded in the US. The European system is based in the idea of essentially free universities, so access to those via testing regimes has a touch of fairness to it. In the US access to education is tied directly to family income. Which means the whole thing would be impossible.

So, if this commission (which bizarrely included John “No Money for Higher Education” Engler) can find ways to equally finance US K-12 education, and make higher education free, I think they may have the right idea.

Ira Socol, Michigan State University, at 2:36 pm EST on December 15, 2006

Appropriate?

I’m concerned that the nature of higher learning makes college-level courses developmentally inappropriate for many high school students. Students in their mid teens typically have not achieved a level of cognitive/epistemological development necessary to benefit from higher learning. College is not just a matter of accumulating facts, which anyone can do. To the contrary, college is a matter of personal, epistemological, spiritual, and other types of development. Developmental progress typical of a collegiate experience is, in my opinion, unlikely to occur at such early ages.

David Franklin Ayers, Assistant Professor of Higher Education at UNC Greensboro, at 6:30 am EST on December 16, 2006

Quick notes

The goal is right:’focus its economy on high end products and services’. How to achieve it is the problem.

The core: Build up the working ethic and the responsibility.

Professor Duemer, Yes. Not all public understand what a college training really mean. On the other hand, if public do understand what a college training really mean, will they still interest in current college program?

com college prof, I understand that public fund the k12 and community college. However, that does not mean they have to give all the kids all the chances. Just like public funded government, not every got to be the governor. Test may not perfect, but the point is we need something that, for one, set goals and, for two, a criteria that to make use public resources effectively. As mentioned before, not all kids are for college, eventhough we do need guide them to appropriate future.

I really thing working ethic is the core. A responsible teacher will honest to the knowledge. If you don’t know, keep open mind and find the right answer. No body knows everything. I have seen too many teacher think they are GODs and thinking textbooks are Bible. An open mind is what made people continue to learn and that makes good teachers.

If teacher continue to learn. It makes good live example for students.

Duncan, at 9:45 am EST on December 18, 2006

While not all 16-year olds may be ready for all rigourous coursework and temptations of college there are a select few who are. Across the nation there are dual enrollment programs where high school students take college classes. I’ve heard of students as young as 15 enrolled in them. I for one am enrolled at a Dual Enrollment high school made up of only juniors and seniors (16 and 17 year olds) whom attend college. The high school itself is situated on the college campus and every student there takes high school courses half the day and college classes for the other half. They are the brightest in county, exceptionally mature, and more than adept at handling a college atmosphere. Not all of America’s youth need to be coddled. The concept is revolutionary but I think a revolution in education is just what we need.

Melo H., Too young? at Student, at 5:35 am EST on December 19, 2006

With all the helicopter parenting that I encounter today, I am skeptical about whether a majority of 16-year-olds, no matter how bright, are socially and emotionally ready to handle the realities of college life. A great number of 18-year-olds have difficulty when confronted with the realities of paying their own bills, doing their own laundry, dealing with college drinking and other social pressures, or studying for finals while holding down a part-time job. Clinical epression among college-age students is high. The fact that you’re smart doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re mature. In fact, many of the brighter students I meet are more socially awkward that their peers. It seems to me that, until we have a cultural shift that allows teens to learn life skills — and until well-meaning but overprotective parents learn to let go — this tiered plan is not likely to work.

Admissions Counselor, at 2:20 pm EST on December 19, 2006