C4T #3 Posts 1 and 2

College Isn't For Everyone: Mike Prater

In this post, the material presented is about the advantages of obtaining technical skills in order to go out into the work force versus staying in a four year program to graduate with a college degree.  Mike Prater states that not all students will be successful at the college level.  They are better off to have skills that will prepare them for a job in which they can be gainfully employed.  He continues to state that a lot of colleges offer a one size fits all general education program.  The problem is that many jobs need specific skills and those can be readily gotten at a technical school instead of learning about a meaningless subject to a student. Times have changed to that it means more to have skills that put students in the real world.  I will agree.  I would rather have someone know how to repair my air conditioner or heater than know the virtues of Aristotle.  Some more points that Prater states in his post are that these particular type of students don't want to waste time or money on general education and over-priced courses.  Prater says that schools need to have more tech type classes to offer. He also says that we need to remove the elitist viewpoint of having a four year degree.  I agree whole heartily.  I know several people who are doing well financially from going to a technical school or an associates degree college and are working while some of us are still in a four year degree program.
I really enjoyed reading about the viewpoint of Mike Prater.  I found it very realistic and common sense.  I realize that there are many jobs that require higher education.  But in order to have survivor skills in life, technical school is an answer for many people.

Student Achievement: Principals Do Make a Difference: Mike Prater

In this post, Mike Prater discusses the impact of principals on student achievement.  He conducted a survey in Missouri of 131 high schools.  His findings are as follows.

• Factors from all three leadership styles-managerial, instructional,and transformational had an impact on students achievement.

• Educational level of the principal impacted student achievement.

• Five behaviors were linked to student achievement.  Instructional improvement, curriculum improvement, providing a model, identifying a vision, and fostering group goals.

The point that is being made is that in order for student achievement to be on the rise, principals must be involved.  No longer can they sit behind closed doors and let other administration run the school.  They are involved with communication to the teaching staff, students, and parents. They are interacting with students, which in turn, students can see a role model they can emulate.  Good principals have a plan and they work the plan in order for student achievement to happen in their school.  

I enjoy Mike Prater's thoughts on education.  I have commented on his posts as such.  I think he has a realistic perspective on the current educational status of what it takes for students to succeed.