First of all, let me say that I agree with what you are saying. I have
suggested in conversations of this kind, that schools might need to
create a "nonacademic" diploma for students that are not taking the core
subjects like for a college prep program. This type of diploma would be
for students that know they are not going to college or even to a
technical school, yet need to learn how to not just survive in the world,
but do many necessary skills (balance a checkbook, comparative shopping,
etc.).
Tennessee (and probably many other states) has taken a step toward this
in creating a 2 path system through high school -- college prep and
technical prep. The latter designed to prepare a student to go on to a
technical school rather than college.
I guess what I am proposing is creating choices for the student. The
problem with choices like this in high school is that some students are
bound to want to change their mind. Can this be done without staying in
high school an additional 4 years?
Thank you Melissa for a thought-provoking message and the opportunity to
express an idea.
Kenneth Schetter
8th Grade Math/Science/Computer Teacher
Newport Grammar School
Newport, Tennessee