We also need to broaden our definition of higher education. We certainly want to continue our longstanding commitment to high quality colleges and universities but if we agree that is not the path for everyone, lets make a greater variety of paths available.
- More satellite campuses. Why do we not have satellite campuses in Waltham, providing easier access for many.
- Civics Education. May not be the correct term for it but we have so many immigrants in our country. Let's be pro-active in providing them an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to be successful here. I know there are many that have come before them that got by fine without the extra help. My grandparents are among them. But that doesn't mean we can't do better. Some topics we should cover are:
- How to become a citizen
- English
- How to start a business
- How to help your children succeed in school
- How to find resources for yourself and your family
- How to access various types of education
- Why it is important to be involved in government and how to go about it
- Some of these topics are covered to various degrees in various places but if we could formalize and centralize these classes it would help move people forward. In fact many life long Americans would benefit from many of these classes.
- Take better advantage of our technical schools. We have Minuteman Technical High School sitting practically empty for all but 40 hours a week. Why don't we open it and other schools like it up to the community? There are some community education programs at night but why not run certificate programs in computer programming, biotechnology, plumbing, dental hygiene, culinary arts and all the shops? We could have classes for adults, we could have classes for kids that can't make it in traditional classrooms etc. Businesses are desperate for quality trained, skilled employees, what is stopping us from making it happen right here?
No comments:
Post a Comment