This is the follow-on piece on restructuring "public education" into "Citizen Competency Training", so that the public "education" dollar gets the citizen results it should get, and getting total cost to the public reduced in the process.  Any student who can complete the different phases in reduced time, should be allowed to, and move on.  We heap boredom on MANY good students with our current approach - and it costs us more money, as well.

The other piece dealt with getting grades 5-8 rebuilt into "Basic Life Competency’, such that the final certification would show that the student could navigate through a real life budget, make informed shopping decisions, solve domestic problems effectively, including basic parenting skills, etc.   Earning this certification would make them a viable life partner or productive employee for many industries.  Many students would not need to go beyond this level at public expense, saving the taxpayer a bundle at $6,000/yr/student  (conservative  #).  In no case should "Public Training" investment in any student exceed 13 years.  College level investment in engineers, doctors, dentists, teachers, etc is not a part of this discussion.

One of our tough competitors - China - already expects this and more from their students.

How badly do we need Basic Life Competency?  Just last night my wife and I each had a double scoop cone at a convenience store.  The clerk said, "They are $1.80 each".  I said, "How much total?"  She said, "I’ll go ring it up."  I said, "It’s $3.60 total, trust me.  Here’s a $5 bill.  How much is the change?"  She pauses for 10 seconds and says "$1.30?"  I left her the 40 cents part for a tip - I figure she’s going to need it.  If she’s only getting paid half of what she’s supposed to get paid, she won’t know it!  She was probably 17, but the math was easy.

What about students who are better or worse than Basic Competence?

Those who are unable to master Basic Life Competency get an attendance certificate only.  Student’s would be able to quit school at age 16 if they want to. At 18 years of age, they will be done with public training - period.  These students would be available for agriculture, junk food stands, garbage pickup, and any other general labor work that we need plenty of help.

Those whose performance in the "Basic" phase warrants continued public investment could go on to "Career" competency training not to exceed 2 years.  Health care, electrician, plumbing, machine operator, food service specialist (chef or assistant) etc. careers would be among these.  Again, 13 years total investment is the limit, and a Certificate of Attendance for those who can’t pass the Competency exam at the end of the "Career" phase.

For those whose adademic performance in the "Basic" phase warrants, a two year "Academic" competency curriculum should prepare them for the college experience.  Again, a 13 year investment limit and same sort of certifications. I’ll let the "Academics" decide what that two year curriculum should look like.  A split between "Arts" and "Science" in the final year may be appropriate, but EVERYONE should be competent on public infrastructure, supporting technology, and economics.