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Re: Public Schools
There is a solution. Trade Schools,
This is the single most important fact in the U.S. inability
maintain the manufacturing prowess we enjoyed until some poorly
defined point in time after WWII!
1. several waves of immigration, most notably Germany after
WWI, brought thousands of skilled machinists, &c. many
of whom went the trade school route by screening or by
socio-economic factors.
2. the U.S. prior to 1920 had an excellent trade school and
apprentice program.
WWII was the breaking point. the younger generation who
survived the war wanted more for their children --hence the
college emphasis for _everyone_!
The problem was simple: we have only the now retiring
toolmakers who make it all possible. engineering graduates will
not observe the manufacturing floors since it is above their
dignity to roll of their sleeves.
if engineers were required to serve internships in the shops,
as doctors are required to intern in a hospital (and the really
good ones, the top of the class, choose what I call meat-wagon
wards (large city ER and trauma units), the U.S. would be a far
healthier and competitive environment.
I know, why the meat wagon wards with their pressure and
unreasonable hours? experience, anything and everything
comes through those doors every night, and it goes off the scale
on the weekends...
is there any reason to send an illiterate to college other
to socialize? is there any reason why the school system
can only see a college degree other than for those who they
prejudged to be just another generation of welfare mothers
and deadbeat dads?
why do many with 4 year college degrees only work as entry
level secretaries, Burger King night "managers." &c? then what
do the rest of them do? join the cradle to the grave dole gener-
ation!
and Parental Envolvement.
It could very well be (and if I had the money I'd make the bet)
that _many_ of the "troubled" youth of today are simply
undisiplined.
more the problem that the parents become interested too late,
after the child has seen 2,000 murders on TV before the age of 6;
walked the streets of parentless daytime; started cocaine at 16,
maybe even 10; running for a gang....
then they wail at the funeral: "...it's not fair, johnny was
such a good boy... society never gave him a chance...." what
they mean is they collect a $100/mo or so less from welfare!
I have raised(ing) 5 children --no TV in the house, and G
rated movies occasionally. what did/do the children find to
do? read, read, and read. I don't have a problem trying to pry
children away from a TV --but I often hear: "...puh-leez, daddy,
just let me finish this chapter." No such luck....
(Fortunately, most of them couldn't afford to bet
against their parents in an AP world).
real true...
It would also seem to
follow that if parents were spending their own money (or
perceived it as their own money) that they would take a greater
interest in their childrens education.
...if they were smart enough to start about age 3. the
problem is further excaberated by the fact the average family
expects the state to provide the "enthusiasum" --is there any
reason then, to expect other than Hillary's "It's a global
village"
with her brand of liberal brainwashing of the next generation
(all new revisionist history, etc.). Welcome to "Logan's Run!"
fortunately, I have no problem with the public schools. I'm
not the only one in the neighborhood without a TV, and the
community has trade schools mixed with the high schools,
and a two year college to supplement the advanced placement
programs. very few families have two parents working. the kids
can play outside after dark, and our young women can walk by
themselves after dark. (I do admit that one good scream would
have an extremely well-armed about to be posse out the door in
15 seconds... --I doubt there would be prisoners!)
a very unusual situation --but I live in rural southern utah
where the regional middle school of 1200 can support 4 bands, the
top 2 being very impressive, and provide full AP classes, and ACT
scores averaging 24-26+ v. the national average of 20 for inbound
freshman. and, where an average ward (100-150 families) will have
at least a dozen Eagle scouts.
proves your point, I guess...