College Education- a right or a privilege?

[Maricel Evasco]

My accountant made a statement that disturbed me regarding getting a college education in America. I was complaining about the cost of a private college education ($35k-$50k/yr) which to me is outrageous. He looked at me in the eye and said, "A college education is a PRIVILEGE not a RIGHT." I'm sure that he feels the same way about health care. I do not agree with this statement. I think any student who works his or her ass off for the four years of high school and scores well academically and on standardized tests should be ENTITLED to have the best education regardless of family income. Why should that child suffer because of circumstances beyond his or her control...dead beat dads, irresponsible parenting, parental illiteracy, homelessness, etc.

[Apposite]

Wendel: Do you think this is something that should have been addressed perhaps in middle or high school?  Or is this something that should be the student's responsibility?

 

Yes, these are skills that need to be started as early as 4th or 5th grade. By the time they are done with 8th grade they should at least be able to do an foot/end note as well as a bibliography. With today's access to media and information there is no excuse for not learning. Many teachers are frustrated in attempts to teach such skills because a lot of students are not at grade level in many subjects. If a student is still struggling by third grade it is time to put them in a resource program. A lot of it just comes down to sitting down and studying the old fashion way. Teachers have to do a lot make up work to compensate some. The problem is allotting the time. In middle and high school teachers have as many as 150 students' papers to correct so time is a huge issue and much of the responsibility needs to come from the students.