America's Reverence for the Bachelor's Degree
I always wonder if this is a symptom of a bigger problem that we created.<p>As soon as having a bachelors degree became almost an expectation, not having one became a problem to be avoided. We have people borrowing money to go to school because they think they have to...not because they necessarily even need to. Many of the best programmers I know never even went to college...they are just interested in the subject and taught themselves.<p>At the same time, we have a public school system that after 18 years with a child...has not actually prepared them to get a job. That&#x27;s borderline criminal IMHO.<p>I always wonder what the effect would be of transitioning public high schools to a structure closer to Cornell&#x27;s one-course-at-a-time approach (<a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.cornellcollege.edu&#x2F;one-course-at-a-time&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.cornellcollege.edu&#x2F;one-course-at-a-time&#x2F;</a>). It seems like giving kids the opportunity to deep dive into one thing (actually, learn it instead of memorize stuff) would be more effective. At the same time, scheduling of classes that taught real skills would a lot simpler.<p>Just imagine a gardening and cooking class where you could teach:<p>1. Plant biology and genetics of seeds
2. Chemistry and Soil Biology, Composting, Decomposition.
3. Use geometry to design raised bed frames
4. Learn some vocational carpentry to build raised bed frames
5. Plant in different environments, track growth, production, measures in a scientific experiment
6. Learn to cook some different recipes with what you&#x27;ve grown as well as how different temperatures affect what you&#x27;re cooking (caramelization of onions, etc)<p>In a single intensive class you can bring together so many subjects and life skills that seem otherwise unrelated on their own.<p>Heaven forbid you take it to the next level and get into programming a farm bot.