This chapter was interesting. I also have been intrigued about whether or not people believe that vocational schools or traditional learning centers such as high school really prepare people for work. Does learning high school art, science, or math really translate into many jobs? Especially today when the only jobs that do not require college degrees have very simple requirements with them. Anyway, it was interesting to read about how America evolved with this in mind.
I immediately thought about the power struggle of government getting to large again. I believe a national curriculum could more actively engage classrooms and students in the direction of workplace related studies, however is it in the governments power to do so. I do not know if it was the fact that this discussion was on my mind from last class or it really just seemed like a logical way to keep equality in students and at the same time prepare children for their future roles at the workplace and in society. This debate will definitely come up again in class. One question I would like to ask the class is: is today’s High School system geared toward preparing workers for “human capital.” Obviously it will better society in general, but are we expected to help turn an investment only. If today’s traditional high school classrooms are not viewed this way, are vocational schools. And do vocational school teachers engage or care about their students as much as traditional school teachers? This was just something that the chapter got me thinking about.
