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I agree that not everyone wants a liberal arts degree, but the notion that secondary education isn't for everyone strikes me as a little elitist, even if the pe

by JoBrad 10y ago

I agree that not everyone wants a liberal arts degree, but the notion that secondary education isn't for everyone strikes me as a little elitist, even if the people making that claim may not have a secondary degree. We all benefit when the average person has a better education. High school may suffice for the next 50-100 years or so, but the lower bar will continue to rise. Why would we convince ourselves into allowing an entire generation to fall behind because they didn't pursue college?

sethammons 10y ago
We have a generation starting to fall behind _beacause_ of college. They begin a cycle of debt they can't escape.
- mozumder 10y ago
  That's not because of college. That's because of debt. Learn to separate debt from college.
  - sethammons 10y ago
    Fair point. Unfortunately, in the US, the two are heavily linked.
    - JoBrad 10y ago
      Not always. I have several friends whose parents were able to pay for their college. Not well known colleges, but still, that has been a massive advantage for them.
      - sethammons 10y ago
        Sure. I had a full ride scholarship. Some friends had family cover theirs. Some can manage to work and put themselves though college. But a great many people don't have those options or can't manage them. My kids will have to work their way through college. My eldest has already started such. Hopefully, she will avoid massive debt if she can follow some advice, start with a JC, and continue working while she progresses though her schooling.
SomeStupidPoint 10y ago
Tertiary education. (Or post-secondary.) College is tertiary, high school is secondary, grade school is primary. We already have secondary education mandated, obviously. (And it makes your case stronger if you use the right term!)
- JoBrad 10y ago
  Haha! Well, hopefully people see your comment. I can't edit it, now, unfortunately. Thanks for noting it, though. Life will keep you humble, always. :)

by JoBrad 10y ago

sethammons 10y ago

We have a generation starting to fall behind _beacause_ of college. They begin a cycle of debt they can't escape.

mozumder 10y ago
That's not because of college. That's because of debt. Learn to separate debt from college.
- sethammons 10y ago
  Fair point. Unfortunately, in the US, the two are heavily linked.
  - JoBrad 10y ago
    Not always. I have several friends whose parents were able to pay for their college. Not well known colleges, but still, that has been a massive advantage for them.
    - sethammons 10y ago
      Sure. I had a full ride scholarship. Some friends had family cover theirs. Some can manage to work and put themselves though college. But a great many people don't have those options or can't manage them. My kids will have to work their way through college. My eldest has already started such. Hopefully, she will avoid massive debt if she can follow some advice, start with a JC, and continue working while she progresses though her schooling.

SomeStupidPoint 10y ago

Tertiary education. (Or post-secondary.) College is tertiary, high school is secondary, grade school is primary. We already have secondary education mandated, obviously. (And it makes your case stronger if you use the right term!)

JoBrad 10y ago
Haha! Well, hopefully people see your comment. I can't edit it, now, unfortunately. Thanks for noting it, though. Life will keep you humble, always. :)