As far as I (currently) understand it, vocational or technical high schools are still public schools. They receive tax money to operate and cannot make a profit. While I don’t think that is a good model to operate on, it is what it is for this discussion, I guess.
I personally don’t know where I stand on the idea of tax-based practical skill instruction (especially if good apprentice programs exist). For the time being, however, they do serve a purpose since most states don’t allow apprenticeships to substitute as “good enough” education. (I disagree, but whatever.)
I guess I would just like to know what people think on this topic. Do you think that these programs are underutilized? Should more high school students go through these programs and learn a so-called practical skill to enter the job force? Are they simply an over-skilled babysitting program? Are they a valuable tool as an alternative to the current state of public school or for kids who don’t want to or won’t ever go to college?
Thoughts?
