November 26, 1997

Standing among the splintered timber and waist-high grass that is the ghost town of Vilas, S.D., 16-year-old Nick Wolf peers into the past.

On 'Necessary Jargon' and The 'Painfully Humorous'

Few experienced English teachers will not have encountered such a query, usually posited in a confrontational tone, during meetings with parents or alumni; I have attempted to respond to some form of this challenge at three different schools.

Who would tell a student to make it on his or her own with little help except for some cheerleading? As silly as it may seem, that is precisely the path we are now choosing for our public schools as states raise their standards for education, while not providing teachers or students with the assistance they will need to meet these more rigorous benchmarks.

According to GM, high school students thinking about an engineering career would do well to take advanced mathematics, complete a science sequence through physics, and hone their computer skills. Students who want to step into skilled-trade apprenticeships should consider: algebra, geometry, and physics for future carpenters and pipefitters; additional units in chemistry and trigonometry for aspiring electricians, machinists, model makers, and tool and die makers; and courses to develop communication and computer skills across the board.