Debate

Should high schools prepare all students for college?

YES

When you were in high school, were you told by a guidance counselor or teacher that you were not college material? Did you decide to defer college after high school graduation? Or perhaps you went to college right away, but then later decided to pursue another goal, with the possibility of returning to college afterward. In any case, I hope you were given the academic preparation and skills you would need to succeed in college. These skills are important for those who decide not to go to college as well.

As educators, we sometimes get caught up in the frustration of reminding students that they need to meet assignment deadlines and do a quality job. We have to prod lazy students who turn in mediocrity fully expecting to earn a top grade. This may cause us to have a negative outlook on such students' educational promise. However, the reality is that all students must come of their own volition to a place of willingness to do what's needed to reach the goal. When this happens, they begin to get more serious about school, meet those deadlines, and do their best work.

Not all students will go on to college. However, as educators, we must do all that we can to ensure that students are prepared to handle the rigors of college, should they later decide that they want to attend.

BilliJo Saffold teaches English at Riverside University High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

NO

Traditional college is not for everyone. Our society needs people with a wide range of skills.

Although an advanced education is necessary for many jobs (doctors, lawyers, teachers), our society is dependent on more than white collar positions. Many students learn trades through ex-perience. A number of jobs in these fields are not only satisfying but high paying.

Having grown up in the construction industry, I am the child of a "blue collar" employer. My father owned his residential painting business for 35 years. It did not require him to have a four-year degree. All of his education came on-the-job. His business was successful and rewarding and he provided first jobs for many of the kids in our neighborhood.

Traditional college is not the only place for students to learn skills. Trade schools help students in medical, technological, and other fields. My neighbor attended a trade school. He is a tool and die maker. He learned the skill in night classes. After spending time as an apprentice, he opened his own shop. It is now a multi-million dollar business.

This year, one of the teachers with whom I worked left education to pursue a career in massage therapy. This teacher spent evenings attending a trade school to learn a new occupation. This skill is now in high demand.

Let's also not forget about the young men and women who have chosen to serve our country in the military. Many of these young people are paying for college by serving our country, but many will make a career out of the service. And of course, in our current state of affairs, many of these fine young people will not come home.

A solid K–12 education can and should prepare all of us for our next stage in life, be that college, trade school, military service, immediate employment, or to be a parent who chooses to stay home and raise the next generation. Our children need a variety of post-secondary opportunities in order to be productive members of society.

Bobbi Aschwanden Thomas teaches computer skills at the Congress Middle School in Kansas City, Missouri.