One of the students I had while I was involved in the IT program used to come to school stoned. We could never quite prove the suspicion but there was no doubt that this individual had a problem. Even though he was often disruptive, constantly being counciled, on probation for misbehavior and came very close to being kicked out of school, he managed to get a diploma as a Cisco Network Associate.

When I saw the student a year after graduation, he was well dressed, clear eyed, and presented a completely different demeanor. He was working as a network technician for a hospital complex and doing very well. When asked what has happened to him, he said, 'I grew up.' His coming to a career school gave him the means to change his life, income and outlook.

The school did not do it for him, he did it himself. The school helped by providing a framework to follow. This is what career education is all about.

On the other hand I had a student who came and went from class over the course of several years. This student would fail two out of three of their classes. When confronted with this information the student would readily admit that they did not want to be an IT student. They were made to come by their parents while their lifestyle, habits and desire to put an effort into their future remained uncommitted to change.

Unfortunately, the financial aid eventually ran out as even the government won't pay for failure forever. This student wound up with $30,000 of debt, and no skill to fall back on. Here career education failed the student. The student also failed themselves.

The first student got sufficient skill and in the end had enough motivation to change. The second is probably suffering even today.






Technorati Profile