It was not surprising, recently, to hear someone express concern regarding the job market as it related to the value of college degrees. It seems that high school graduates are destined to fast-food employment because worthwhile jobs require a minimum of a Bachelor degree.
This made me wonder if, eventually, in order to obtain any worthwhile employment, a Doctorate would be necessary. Does this seem like an extreme thought?
When I was in my teens, I do not remember knowing anyone with a university degree (Except my teachers ... and I sometimes doubted that).
Now, following a lifetime in the real world, it seems that almost everyone has been to university, yet, I often question the evidence of academic improvement. I could suggest, on the whole, that the average I.Q. has risen but, equally, the rate of academic knowledge has slowed, if not reversed.
It would seem to me that the only answer is to reorganize school curriculums downwards by, for example, making high school examinations similar to today’s university degree. Thus, making this new level mandatory. I used the word ‘similar’ because, as previously stated, if there is a rise in student intelligence, this should also be reflected in an examination.
One should be reminded that one does not 'graduate' today until succeeding in three years of university study, suggesting to me that the graduate has only just reached an 'introductory' level. A controversial suggestion, no doubt.
I suggest that a result of this modification to school curriculums shall not only produce more suitable job applicants, but finer teachers ... without extra costs.
