Education That You Can Use

On September 24, The Atlantic published an article examining a high school where getting into college was not the goal. A headline that leaves not only Choate students flabbergasted but many adults and parents as well. The Randolph Technical High School in Philadelphia teaches its students English, Math, and Science similar to other schools; in addition students also choose a discipline. These disciplines are all areas that teach skills students can learn right out of high school, for example dental assistance, cooking, and welding. This approach to learning seems to answer the age old question, “When will I use this in real life?” students ask all too often. Randolph has seen an increase in graduates since implementing the program and still sends 40% of graduates off to a four year college program. The program is geared toward teens with learning disabilities who were unable to excell in the normal public school program. The program shows impressive statistics in comparison to other Philadelphia high schools and gears students with live skills. Most students who do not continue with their education have a job right out of highschool making $40,000 to $50,000 per year; compared to the average 18 year old making anywhere from nothing to $10,000 these students have considerably raised the bar. Randolph has proved that it is entirely possible to set students up with life skills while filling graduation requirements. Unfortunately, this method of educating teens doesn’t seem to be picking up speed, though demand to enter the program is high. As stated in the article “it isn’t PC to say, ‘After high school you don’t have to go to college.’” This is an interesting point given that as a society we have attached a negative stigma and dump, and poor to people who haven’t finished or gone to college. There is a huge need for employment in the US instead of leaving young people unemployed and in debt after college, America should destigmatize and make it an option for young people to skip college in favor of a career straight out of high school.