Looking Ahead - Helping Guide Your Child
In the beginning, the establishment of public schools provided exposure to the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics. Students would study together in that one room schoolhouse until 8th grade. After that, many young people went on to work on the family farm, or as tradesmen in town. Very few, affluent families paid for their teenagers to move on to higher educational institutions. However, for the last several decades, progressive policy makers and government officials have pushed to break the social class and “ability” tracking constraints that they said this system created.
This trend began to force all students down the same path, began to create cookie cutter, college bound students, without really understanding the consequences. According to Forbes magazine, that trend has not been a successful one. The “U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that about 68% of high school students attend college. Almost 40% of students who begin four-year college programs don’t complete them, and only 37% of currently employed college grads are doing work for which only a high school degree is required.” That leaves a lot of young adults in debt, aimless, and not using their degree at all. It’s time for parents to help their students stop perpetuating this course.
This trend began to force all students down the same path, began to create cookie cutter, college bound students, without really understanding the consequences. According to Forbes magazine, that trend has not been a successful one. The “U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that about 68% of high school students attend college. Almost 40% of students who begin four-year college programs don’t complete them, and only 37% of currently employed college grads are doing work for which only a high school degree is required.” That leaves a lot of young adults in debt, aimless, and not using their degree at all. It’s time for parents to help their students stop perpetuating this course.
As the parent, you are the number one influence on helping them find direction and aspiration and passion. You can help them anchor themselves away from “what do you want to major in?” to the questions like, “What is your passion? What kind of person do you want to become?” This shift can help them begin thinking about other ways to achieve their goals of being financially stable, fulfilled, or walking in their purpose. This article explores those types of questions that you can explore with your student. Helping your student pursue their passions, and strengths, can help them focus on the future.
That conversation might include wanting to attend college for further education. However, it might be another avenue that needs to be pursued. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 10 out of the 28 top fastest-growing careers are not being talked about in schools because of the stereotype society has popularized that if you don’t go to college, you are a failure.
That conversation might include wanting to attend college for further education. However, it might be another avenue that needs to be pursued. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 10 out of the 28 top fastest-growing careers are not being talked about in schools because of the stereotype society has popularized that if you don’t go to college, you are a failure.
Mike Rowe, famous for his work to get young people into a trade, has worked tirelessly to remove the stigma of pursuing opportunities other than college. He states “before the pandemic, there were 7.3 million open jobs, the majority of which did not require a four-year degree.” Through his tv shows and speeches, he helps young people to realize that they can find a fulfilling job AND make a livable wage, with little to no debt to start.
Taking vocational classes in high school like welding, mechanics, culinary, fashion design, etc. can help your student find the field that works best for them. School districts are adding more courses for these positions for students and that is promising. Most of the highly coveted and highly paid trades are actively pursuing the young man or woman who is interested in their field. This is evident in the creation of scholarships, apprenticeships, and internships (many times paid positions) to attract young people in order to fill perceived openings. |
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Companies in these fields may suggest different paths for training. Your student needs to look into whether employers are requiring trade school completion, or if they offer on the job training through apprenticeships. Either way, this type of education has a much higher potential to begin making a living wage immediately when they start with companies. Students should be encouraged that even if a trade school certification is required, those schools have great connections to get the student into a job with ease.
In summation, it’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s future and passion. If their passion takes them down the trades path, then the information below for skilled trade jobs is a good place to start.
In summation, it’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s future and passion. If their passion takes them down the trades path, then the information below for skilled trade jobs is a good place to start.
Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Mr. Dan Hoff
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann