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Currently, I home school my twelve year old son.

Yet, just two years ago, you would have heard me say, "I don't think home schooling is the best choice for any child."

In part, I still believe this. When the system works like it is supposed to, I do believe that a child attending a public or private school with other children their age teaches valuable social interaction, societal functions, and a set of skills that are important in the workplace that just can't be learned by home schooling.

However, that caveat was, "When the system works..."

Unfortunately, our current educational system is a kickback from years of 'research' and 'experimentation' to find what works best - from before the 70s. Society has changed in the last 30 years, and as such, so have children. There has been a distinct sociological shift that has resulted in an unbalanced educational system, where the system is still teaching to the children of 30 years ago - my generation or older - and that means, right now, that the district is actually teaching in a model that is effective for what is likely less than 10% of the total current student population.

Colleges are moving more toward the new model and mode of learning - applied sciences.

An applied science degree is one in which the student receives less instruction on the core curriculum and more on the hands on training necessary to perform the job in which they will work when they complete their degree. Associates in applied science was once 'experimental' and considered by many to be less of a degree than an associates, and even moreso less than a bachelor's degree, because of the reduced emphasis on 'book learning'. They were relatively new, certificate type programs, similar in concept to trade schools, which traditionally were thought to provide a less well-rounded education.

However, because applied science degrees actually provide hands-on training to the student, usually in both the classroom and real-world setting, in which the students are required to complete internships prior to graduation, employers are now realizing the benefit of an employee with 'field' experience and book experience versus an employee with only 'book' experience.

The college curriculums are changing to reflect this particular shift in employment needs, and more degrees now than ever before are requiring internships of some sort as a condition of graduation, while also providing more hands-on, practical experience for the student.

However, our elementary and secondary

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