Education in the US has steadily declined since the 1960s. ACT scores reached their peak in 1961 when US college grads represented 10% of the population and all had occupational degrees. The curriculum was dumbed down to increase enrollment and grade inflation began. Courses in Black Studies began in 1968. Women’s Studies began in 1970. Non-occupational courses were introduced to increase enrollment of below average students. Colleges spent $Billions on making their campuses attractive. College costs doubled annually.
In the 1920s, most of population completed 8th grade, but their exams indicated that they were fully prepared to go to work. Schools taught reading, writing and math. These 8th grade graduates could start and run business and handle all of their financial obligations. Child labor laws were not imposed until 1933.
Educators are saying that US skills are low because of how courses are taught. They claim that the speed and complexity is too fast and things aren’t taught in the right order. Students need to spend time with Algebra and need to take Algebra II right after they complete Algebra I. They are correct.
BS degrees were required to become teachers. Most teachers have a BS Education degree. This is not sufficient. Math teachers also need a BS Math degree. Chemistry teachers also need a BS Chemistry degree. Physics teachers also need a BS Physics degree. History teachers also need a BS History degree.
The curriculum needs to include practical applications of reading, writing and math to prepare students for life at age 18. They need to learn what living costs are and how much they will need to earn to provide their own food, shelter, transportation and student loan payments. They need to know how to balance a checkbook, do their own taxes and read contracts and instructions.
BS degrees were also required for students who wanted to apply to graduate school for professional occupations.
Technical occupations like engineers, chemists, geologists, pharmacists, medical doctors, veterinarians and dentists required BS degrees for admission to graduate schools. Medical and Dental Schools took A students with BS degrees in Pre-Med, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
Medical schools offered specialist degrees to MDs for surgery, anesthesiology, psychiatry, ophthalmology. urology, pathology, cardiology, family medicine, pediatrics, emergency room, ear nose and throat and radiology.
Nursing schools offer RN and BS Nursing degrees. Colleges offer degrees in Physical Therapy.
Non-technical occupations like business, accountants and lawyers required BS degrees to qualify for graduate work. Lawyers needed a Juris Doctor degree and need to pass the Bar Exam to be licensed to practice law.
Degrees in Accounting, Finance and Business Degrees are often needed for occupations in business. There are no Sales Degrees. Sales is learned on the job. BS Business Degrees are common in sales jobs. Knowledge of Contracts is required. Sales skills and motivation are based on personality.
The selection of managers is largely left to companies. Managers may or may not need BS degrees. Managers of electronics technicians are often promoted from within and have Associates Degrees in electronics.
Trade and Technical Schools offer training for electricians, electronics technician, plumbers, carpenters, brick layers, roofers and construction management. They also offer training for medical technicians.
College tuition costs have
increased from $1000/yr. in 1965 to a range from $10,000/yr. to $50,000/yr.
Kennesaw State tuition is $5,562 per semester. UGA tuition is $5,017 per semester. Georgia Tech tuition is $10,258/yr.
The US Student loan interest
rate is 5.5%. The average student loan balance.in the US is $38,290.
The average annual interest cost is $2116. Those with student loans need to pay off these loans ahead of schedule to save on interest costs. Paying off $1000 per month is a good start. You may need to move back home until you pay this off.
About 44% of U.S. adults ages 25 and over have a college degree. Most are non-occupational degrees.
More than half of recent four-year college graduates, 52 percent, are underemployed a year after they graduate, according to a new report from Strada Institute for the Future of Work and the Burning Glass Institute. A decade after graduation, 45 percent of them still don't hold a job that requires a four-year degree. - Feb 22, 2024
The most important college courses teach students to prepare for complex occupations like medicine and science. The least important college courses teach students things they can learn on their own. Degrees and Licenses are required for some occupations and these are a form of government regulation that tends to expand beyond what is needed for less complex jobs.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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