Starting around 50 years ago things like wood shop, metal shop, home, sports, economics, PE, and band started to lose funding. By about 20 years ago most schools stopped these programs. Teachers nowadays think almost exclusively in terms of students getting a college education, not some going into the trades, and some getting degrees.
This has led to many people being steered into college or university when they should really just be out working a job. Hence the 16 year number.
I am delighted this system worked out for you. It is perfectly valid for many. It is also a hellhole for many others.
Re:In Praise of Difficult Children (2009)
by bcrosby95 on Sunday January 21, 2024 @04:16PM
(#39083153)
It's a damn shame too. I was never interested in the trades, but being able to use your hands to build stuff is useful. I still have the clock, cutting board, and dustpan I made in my wood/metal shop.
There should, at the very least, be something where you learn to follow instructions and put things together. Like ikea furniture. Learn how to hang a picture. And so on.
Heck, I know people who can barely change their light bulbs.
What changed 50 years ago?
>If you need fresh air
I got plenty of fresh air walking to and from school each day, as well as gym class, and recess in elementary school, intermural sports in high school.
>12 to 16 years of punishment and being ground down
In your example, why would someone attend 16 years if only 12 are required? Also, school year is only 35-40 weeks of the calendar year, so not really like a prison at all.