Unruly students may have to learn a trade.  (it’s a start but is it too late and too little?)

 

1. Sort of a good idea, except it perpetuates the “dirty hands empty head” stereotype. We have a similar thing over here, usually called vo-tec or BOCES.

   A better idea might be to require all students to go through a program like this. Learning how to run a small business, how to manage people, how to reach out to customers, how to work hard and be responsible, etc., are all great skills. For everyone. I’d do it over the summers, from about 7th grade through 12th. Mix it into something like army boot camp so the little nintendo jockies get some excercise and discipline at the same time.

   Learning a trade engenders pride too. A pride based in reality and not some squishy touchy-feely PC “everyone is special” feel-good crap. And these days tradesmen can earn just as much as corporate types in their airless little cubicles.

   For students who have no intention of going into the trades, participation in skills classes like this could include learning how to cut lumber, use a hammer, saw, screwdriver and basic hand tools. Laying bricks and pouring concrete. Put in “husband” skills like hanging pictures, leveling and installing curtain rods, fixing drywall, laying tile, putting in a garden, changing the car oil and fixing the brakes, and painting. Put in “wife” skills like cooking, sewing, dealing with little kids, etc. Everyone takes both. At least you’d turn out kids who weren’t utterly worthless ninnies like the characters on ‘Friends’ and ‘Sienfeld’.

   Posted by Drew458       05/20/2008  at  07:59 AM  

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