Today’s prompt: Write about something ordinary that once felt important.
The preeminence that I place on formal education has lessened. Working in education has taught me that formal education is not designed for everyone. In fact, my parents are good examples of how intelligence and capability are not counted in credits.
Schools were designed to create a functional workforce by having people learn a standard, basic set of skills. The testing methods separated people into categories based on how well they were able to demonstrate an understanding of any given skill. Those who performed “well” were considered more capable and went on to higher education, high-floor jobs. Those who performed “poorly” went to work at the street level.
If grade school education was designed properly, and funded accordingly, people would have more opportunities to pursue their strengths and refine their skills before entering the workforce.
Higher education has a place, in that it’s a pursuit worthy in itself, just as is any trade or professional designation. Whereas once I thought that a Ph.D. was the ultimate achievement, I’m less inclined to say so today. I do still want to get a Ph.D., but my perspective on its value has changed.
This prompt comes from Letters’ Lounge.
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