Gen X’ers were raised during a time when college was promoted as the means to social mobility and a prosperous life. Their kids were then raised with college being an understood and not so much an aspiration. Now, Gen Z is on track to become the “most educated” generation. At the same time, many of those same young adults are questioning the value of education and are leaving their post-secondary studies.
Why? Jobs available to Gen X were predominately of two classes—blue collar and white collar. If you wanted a white-collar job, you needed a college degree. The perception was that white-collar jobs gave an individual prestige, higher salary, and happiness. And, in many instances they did. Businesses drove the promotion of a college-going generation. This meant secondary schools across the nation shifted their curriculum and offerings to prepare students for college: AP courses, dual/concurrent enrollment programs, etc.
Fast forward to now. More and more businesses are realizing college degrees do not carry the same value as they once did. New currencies have entered the market: credentials, internships, and the revival of apprenticeships.
Will this impact secondary education? It should. Schools should begin to consider how to prepare secondary students for multiple pathways—vocational pathway (which was nearly decimated during the “everyone goes to college” phase), credential pathway, military pathway, and college pathway. And, just like a multi-lane highway where you can change lanes, you can take an exit for a different route, or an on-ramp to another highway, students should not be barricaded into a singular pathway. Part of learning is exploring and finding your way. And if we truly believe in lifelong learning, then the pathway will always evolve. Sometimes you want to take the clear direct route and sometimes the scenic one is better suited.
The changing landscape of the job market has led to a reevaluation of the value of college education. As businesses recognize the importance of alternative pathways such as credentials, internships, and apprenticeships, secondary schools must adapt to prepare students for multiple routes to success. Education should no longer be a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a diverse and flexible system that empowers students to explore their passions and find their own unique pathways. Perhaps the ideal approach lies in a mutualistic and symbiotic rationale that considers the aspirations and aptitudes of students, the demands of the job market, and the evolving landscape of learning. By embracing this mindset, we can ensure that students thrive beyond their secondary years and navigate the ever-evolving road of lifelong learning.
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