posted November 4, 2009
Kenny Smith is right and has been for a very long time.
As a product of both public and private primary schooling, and a product of private and public secondary education, with a degree from the University of Tennessee, I must agree with Kenny Smith. Apparently he is, quite honestly, the lone voice on the Hamilton County School Board for a dedicated vocational path to earning a living for those not disposed to "college" - and providing very needed services - to those of us with "college educations."
Year after year we in Hamilton County pay hard-earned money for "education," and year after year, the product of that "education" is lacking. Those on the outside blame the superintendent (whomever he or she may be) - or worse yet - the teachers. Many wonder just why with No Child Left Behind that kind of "product" is possible.
What is important is the glaring fact that those who even graduate high-school, much less college, are ill prepared for real life and the real world. Blame abounds for this. What is not addressed is just why this condition occurs.
Here's why: People who know everything can't do anything; they then have children who are headed to college who don't know anything and therefore cannot do anything.
This is where vocational training, as espoused by Kenny Smith, is vital.
We have a very large group of young people who don't have the desire, and some not even the ability, to go to college. Why force them - as the current leadership of the Hamilton County School System and Board - and society in general - to do so?
There is an avenue for these young people to pursue in which they can be successful and productive citizens of society without a college degree. These young people can learn a trade - then perform that trade - if the current citizens of Hamilton County demand it. That avenue is Vocational Training.
I don't know Kenny Smith and have never met him, but he is right.
Dennis W. Rains
tennrains@comcast.net
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