In my opinion there should be such tension. But the focus needs to be on: 1) using technology to slash costs - classroom learning is quite unnecessary nowadays, 2) administrative bloat, and 3) upholding high standards.
3) isn’t going to win any votes unfortunately, the fact is that there are way too many students in college (who should be out there working) not too few.
It’s easier to scapegoat these college instructors who are stuck pandering to students who have remedial skills and probably shouldn’t have made it out of high school in the first place.
I agree that for those who can’t afford college on their own—and don’t otherwise win scholarships voluntarily given in the private sector—professional education that is as cost effective as possible should be a priority.
It’s a tricky business since employers use college degrees from good schools as a primary means of filtering prospective employees, but largely leaving the private sector to sort it out should solve it as well as anything. Just take away the government subsidies!
I agree.
Charles Murray has written wonderful essays on using qualifying exams ( instead of college transcripts) to show proficiency in various areas of knowledge. Kahn Academy math classes are already available on the Internet. Why not simply offer a certifiable exam at a reputable testing agency and use this score for employment and academic purposes?
Also....Most of the work done in the U.S. requires no more ( at most) a solid 8th graded education. Even being President of the United States of America does NOT require a college degree. Harry S Truman never went to college!
Employers should be encouraged to use SAT/ACT scores and internships to identify bright and teachable employees.