should high schools and colleges require that graduates master a variety of skills?

Answer 1

Yes, school is not just to help you prepare for a particular job.

It is also to prepare you for:

+ voting intelligently in a democratic society (not happening based on past couple presidential elections)

+ being a good neighbor

+ having an appreciation for the many accomplishments of humanity

+ being a smart consumer

+ being able to communicate well in many situations

+ gaining enough understanding of what there is to lear about so you can make an informed decison about what else you want to learn about

+ understanding enough about history so you can help avoid repeating past mistakes (apparently president Bush was out sick the week they talked about Vietnam)

+ understanding enough about the law to protect yourself and be aware of your obligations to others

+ understanding the basics of how to eat well and have a healthy lifestyle

+ understand other cultures understand that there's no one right way for people to be

+ learn to manage your time, be organized, learn things by doing your own research

+ help you become an independent, productive, happy adult

I could go on and on.

Answer 2

Some people are able to master a single skill and just get by in other areas. I think that as long as your diploma states what you've learned that's good. The general "high school diploma" doesn't give anybody any specific information. As far as colleges, 4 year programs do require you to be schooled in a variety of areas, which is a good thing otherwise you can take a certificate courses for a mastery in one area. I think the colleges have it right, the public schools don't.

Answer 3

On the high school part-absolutely. There are many children that go no farther in their education than high school today. If you don't want a broad education on the collegiate level you could simply enroll in a vocational/technical school.

I'm a Registered Nurse and although I'm not sure I could give you the state birds or names of each state's capital, it was part of my education. It didn't make sense at the time, but I needed that chemistry and algebra for daily tasks.

In the end, I think anyone who is going to graduate from college, no matter what the degree, should have a firm basis for the basics.

Answer 4

NO, cause not everyone that gets out of the school intends to use what they learned to go to work. Some are using it to prepare for their next level of education. So, honestly if I was in college and wanted to become a psychologist, I would be upset if I had to master auto mechanics before I graduated. My intent is to go to graduate school so I can further my studies in psychology. I'll pay someone to fix my car.

Answer 5

college yes. but what kind of skills are you talking about really? highschools require a bunch of dumb things but nothing really important that could actually be used in the real world once we graduate.

Answer 6

Yes. When you enter the job market, it is necessary to have a certain mastery of computer skills, customer service, and good communication.

Answer 7

I think vocational schools have the ticket. Teach you what you need to know for a specific profession. Get the education and get the job. I don't know why a ballerina would need to know geometry or why a mail carrier would need to know how to build a lamp.

Answer 8

Absolutely. This could be a VERY long answer.

But to keep it brief, spelling, grammar, punctuation and English composition would be a good place to start.

The stuff you read here is unbelievable.

Answer 9

isn't that what your are supposed to be doing in school anyways?

Problem isn't the mastery of skills but holding the students accountable on the learning of the skills.

Answer 10

Yes. Great (long winded book) on the matter: Consilience. E.O. Wilson