Benefits of vocational classes
There's such a push to attend college. I was pleased to read this letter to the editor in this morning's newspaper --
"All high school students should have the opportunity to explore vocational education. Funds should be allocated for classes in culinary arts, cosmetology, automotive repair, carpentry, plumbing, etc. Many students enjoy working with their hands, and these classes would give them the opportunity to not only learn new skills but also to pursue them as careers.
Even students in college-bound high school would benefit from vocational classes. Many academic skills are learned by taking vocational classes; for example, math in carpentry and physics in automotive repair. Upon graduation, the student could go to technical school or to college and use those skills for part-time work.
When students are given the opportunity to take classes that interest them, they will be successful, graduate, gain employment, earn money and enjoy life.
They will not have time to think about drugs, gangs, carjackings and other illegal activities."
WG says, I'd start them even younger than in high school, probably in 5th grade, with simple hands-on occupational tasks.