[randog]

Most of all, school systems need to consider dropping the vocational education pathway, a convenient way to divert students who don't fit. Instead, the regents say, put everybody on the college track and make it clear the schools expect all to achieve.

So, becoming a plumber, carpenter, machinist, technician, etc. is an achievement one should be ashamed of? Are those the jobs the lib'rals keep telling us the illegal immigrants are here to fill? How utterly eletist, although I would expect nothing less from the pampered denizens of the Ivory Towers.

[raybbr]

They know the public school system is broken. They want to keep it that way for the money. College is now the primary source of a good education. Push them through k-12 and let the colleges deal with the dummies.

[heckler]

I remember a study done 8-10 years ago that found that the "average" millionaire was a small businessman who had worked hard over a 20-30 year period starting and building his business, often a plumbing or heating/air conditioning business, drove a Ford and lived in a $250,000.00 home.

There's nothing wrong with a vocational education if you approach it with the right vision. Work for someone else, learn the business, save money and look for the right conditions in which to start youre own business.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Yeah, that was definite crap. VocEd should be pushed - the most emotionally satisfied, happy and financially independent guys I know are skilled tradesmen, and have their own businesses.

[Clara Lou]

What's needed, the regents say, are teachers better equipped to deal with balky black boys, as well as persistent parental support and better-organized outside mentoring help. Most of all, school systems need to consider dropping the vocational education pathway, a convenient way to divert students who don't fit. Instead, the regents say, put everybody on the college track and make it clear the schools expect all to achieve.
I read the article and was going to comment on that very passage. It's the "put everybody on the college track" that gets to me. Why would anyone do students who are not college material such a disservice? It is absolutely looney to try to fit square pegs into round holes. It doesn't work. The idea is really infuriatingly stupid. There are a lot of good-paying jobs out there that don't require a degree.

[Freee-dame]

So, becoming a plumber, carpenter, machinist, technician, etc. is an achievement one should be ashamed of?

Jobs done by plumbers, carpenters, mechanics or electricians won't be outsourced, either.