I was talking with a friend the other day about this, and probably the students who participate in this program would be the more dedicated ones anyway who could get scholarships for a four year university anyway. But this could be a good way to get some students who just want an associates and are willing to try a little harder in high school to get one for free. These students, I think, will benefit the most. It is also a great way to help students realize that going to college is achievable for anyone, if they work hard and focus on school, as well as apply for scholarships. With the "no child left behind" this could also be a great way to help support those students who do well and have partially been neglected in this program because the schools have to focus on struggling students more. It will be interesting to see how this works out. I'll keep my eyes open for more developments from Maine!
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My experience is that those with the associate's degree do come to college, to my college! They are often under-prepared and not ready for the kind of work they will encounter. If we add to the mix that they would only be what, say 18/19 by the time they came to me as a junior, woah!! Kids these days already have a hard time deciding what they want to be when they grow up, and the days of being a grown up start later and later. Can you imagine if they were graduating at 20? How do they decide what they want to do and how do we let them do it when they can't even vote!
ReplyDeleteI do agree that it might make life a little more immature, but it could also be a good way to encourage students. I guess we'll have to see how Maine's idea turned out!
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