Chapter Two – No More Cookie Cutter High Schools

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Chapter Two – No More Cookie Cutter High Schools

Summary of Chapter

            High schools of today have not changed much since the mid twentieth century.  Our present schools were designed to meet the needs of students attending school in the Industrial Age. However, after the introduction of the World Wide Web in 1995, our society very quickly transitioned into a new time- the Information Age. Businesses adapted and transitioned well to this change, as did consumers. People in our present world now demand choice, customization and instant access to products and information. 

            Unfortunately, our schools have not responded effectively to the changes in modern life. School administrators, designers and teachers have continued to offer a “one size fits all” model of education because it is what they have been trained and are accustomed to doing. However, just because it is the way things have always been done does not make it effective. High schools today would benefit by transitioning into the Information era and offering more choices to students. Schools of today should become more consumer oriented and enable students to customize their learning choices. Districts could choose to offer specialized schools for students who wish to pursue studies/careers in math/science, technology. Schools focusing on the arts could also be available in the same district. It is important for today’s high schools to offer students customization, flexibility and choice.

Reaction to Chapter

            I fully agree that our students should be offered more customization and choice in their education. A one size fits all approach is no longer feasible and is not working. Schools of today need to adjust to the needs of modern students and become more flexible. In addition to all of the reasons described in the chapter, our economy demands change.

Students should no longer be sold the idea that “if you graduate from college you will get a job and have access to a middle class life.” This is no longer true. There are many lucrative trades that can be learned that will result in employment and success. A college degree and the resulting debt does not always guarantee a job in our present economy. Students should be given the option to study trades and vocations that will lead to employment.