Trump is pushing Trade schools

I think this is a great Idea. It won't be long until no one can do anything for themselves, and
they will be forced to pay big bucks to the skilled individuals that can do things.

I grew up with a WWII dad that did everything himself. Built our garage himself, etc..I am not as skilled, but I have always
swapped out water heaters, plumbing fixtures, electrical stuff like putting in ceiling fans, etc...

I believe in the near future trades people are going to be very wealthy.

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Theyitis · 36-40, M

This is something on which I don’t necessarily disagree with you. Trade schools are valuable and serve a good purpose. We need schools to prepare people for hands-on jobs like those schools do. I don’t have any problem with more funding for trade schools.

That said, I am not in favor of funding being diverted from Harvard and other liberal arts colleges and universities to fund trade schools like President Trump is doing. Lots of places more funding for trade schools could potentially come from, and I am opposed to cutting funding from four year colleges and universities. I strongly believe that the value of knowledge is greater than simply how much money it helps you make. Knowledge is an end in itself, and we certainly need schools that teach on a much wider variety of subjects than trade schools do as well. I think they are equally important.

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@Theyitis I’ve always had a problem with schools and government providing better schools and paying more money to educate smart kids.

For lots of different reasons, starting with “smart” being a contrived definition, some kids being smart but slower thinkers, and by giving the money to educate a smart kid we deprive a not so smart kid of opportunities.

RedBaron · M

@Heartlander Theoretically. But not all “smart” kids come from families that can afford to foot the bill.

Hence the existence of elite public high schools, college financial aid, federally guaranteed student loans, and government funding through programs like the GI Bill of Rights.

Theyitis · 36-40, M

@Heartlander Where do you see government paying more money “to educate ‘smart’ kids”? If I saw that, then maybe I’d be against it too.

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@Theyitis

Louisiana has a TOPS program that lowers tuition based on GPA and ACT scores. I imagine other states have similar programs. The cost for that either comes from the state taxpayers or by increased tuition for everyone else.

I may have a warped view of education in that I value learning more than achievement when it comes to education. Like don't be afraid to take a course fearing that you may fail or do poorly. If that's the case, it sounds like you really need to take that course.

Just think of how much better off we would all be if political science majors intending to run for political office would all take a few accounting courses, even if the professors had to stretch to give them a C minus?

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@RedBaron I'm fine with all the special programs for the neeedy, the GIs, etc. I just think the need for education shouldn't be prioritized for smart kids or achievers.

RedBaron · M

@Heartlander Then how else other than by merit? You prefer DEI and affirmative action?

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@RedBaron Not really. I prefer not depriving so that everyone has access, but that's not the same as giving some privileged access. Except maybe when that privilege is in exchange for some benefit to the interest of the people. Like the GI bill, or work study programs.

I'm not big on sat scores or academic success for a lot of different reasons. One being my own experience by starting our kids in good Montessori programs. Programs based on the needs of the kids rather than the rigidity of the process. Our daughter never saw a report card until she was in the 6th grade, and is an over-achiever. In part because school was a place to learn and live, not a contest or a place to be graded. In college she integrated school and work through the university's extension services with the hands on engagements during the summers being as important as the classrooms in the semesters.