I think it is time for a complete education overhaul for our country. From kindergarten to collegiate doctoral degrees. Education is becoming all about money. When schools get high test scores, they receive more money than those that don't. Some colleges now print diplomas for a price. A Bachelor's degree is about as valuable as a kindergarten diploma. Master's degrees are now starting to go for a dime a dozen! I am all for people bettering themselves through education, but it seems that there is an easy way out. When I was looking at colleges ten years ago I NEVER heard of the University of Phoenix or Kaplan College. I was looking at state schools like Kent or UC. Some of these schools are run by businesses. Just weird to me. Some of these "accelerations" make me scratch my head. Take Grantham University. Based in Kansas City, Mo, but accredited by the state of Louisiana? Also "accredited" by Distance Education and Training Council? Really?? Go the website, tell me how many of those colleges you have heard of.
I just feel like my Bachelor's degree means nothing anymore. The work I had to put in compared to what these "schools" require is just a joke. I heard a professor at one of these schools was told "You can't fail students here, that means we lose money." Really? So why even have classes, just hit print and receive a diploma! I am starting my MBA. I needed a school that offers online classes and just fit my schedule better. So did I look at Phoenix? No! Heck NO! I found a school that actually has a campus, what a novel idea. As weird as it may sound to some, a school that has NCAA/NAIA athletic teams, I guess to me a real school offers these things. I think there needs to be better accrediting systems. Why not have a stricter accreditation board? A national one that sets the standards across the board, and regional accreditation as well, that will assist the national board in accrediting the schools.
Do high schools kids really learn as much now since "No Child Left Behind" was put into effect? Seems like now schools are all about the test scores, and not a whole education. Also how do schools have such huge budget issues? I do not ever remember this when I was in school 12 years ago. I know technology is expensive, but I really do not see how schools can just blow through so much money! I know times are tough and people overspent on houses they cannot afford, but I am just so stunned. Also a note to districts, stop threatening to take away sports, it is less than 1% of the general budget!
Now for the big idea. I have heard this proposed before, and I agree with it 100%. The junior year of HS is not spent in school, but rather doing educational service. One year in a military based training, Peace Corps, Job Corps or an internship/apprenticeship. The funding is already in place, and the money spent per student will more than cover the costs. What will this do? It will give students life experience and a better appreciation for schooling. In my opinion this will better prepare our young people for the world they are about to enter.
So it is time for an "Education Revolution"! It needs to happen before our youth fall even further behind other countries. Just my educated idea...
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