I heard the local union signed a contract with the schools, raises for everyone and

[jtuck004]

"12 early release Fridays".

Why does an institution of learning make it sound like you are being freed from incarceration, more like jail than school? (Hopefully they won't start calling recess time off for good behavior).

They already set up a coffee bar to teach high schoolers how to get a start on a good career by running a register.

Lifelong Learning. Whether we like it or not.

[lapucelle]

1. I teach in a non-union private school.

I'm not sure what your gripes against teachers and teachers' unions are, but I do know that when students have an early day, that doesn't mean that teachers aren't staying late for professional development and workshops.

I also think that blaming teachers and unions for the tough job market in many communities is misplaced at best.

Oh, and your last two "sentences" about lifelong learning are fragments. You might want to consider revising.

[jtuck004]

6. I grew up in a non-union private school. You make my point, thanks. n/t

[lapucelle]

7. Your OP has a point?

[Ms. Yertle]

2. I'm not sure what your point is . . .

As for the coffee bar, I don't think it's a bad idea to give teenagers some basic skills to enter the job market. Often, "a good career" starts with the work habits one learns in an entry-level job. What do you think they should be teaching them, how to run a hedge fund?

[jtuck004]

4. So you think they should be taught servitude first. Got it. I think they ought to be told they

should band together and run their own business, or the humanities, or perhaps foreign affairs.

You know, the same education they give the people who own the stores.

If fucking McDonalds wants register operators, they can use their own money to train them, not my tax money.

They are already getting enough to develop their multi-language french fry machines, so they can employ non-english speakers. They don't need more.

[Ms. Yertle]

8. There are bigger things to be upset about

Knowing how to run a register will give them an advantage over those who don't when it comes to that entry-level job.

Once they have the job they will learn the importance of showing up on time, calling in if they are sick, making contingency plans for transportation, etc., customer service skills, getting along with co-workers, etc., etc., etc. ALL of which will serve them well in whatever job they eventually get.

Most people who own their own businesses start at a considerably lower level than ownership, so I have no idea what education you may think they are "given."

Who cares whether tax $$ are used to train them, if the end result is that they become better employees? Would you say the same about teaching typing, or other non-academic skills? My guess is that these students don't spend their entire school day working a register. They probably get plenty of humanities and social studies, and if they don't that's on the schools, not on private businesses.

[femmocrat]

3. "Early release" = staff development time.

The only ones who get to go home early are the students. I guess it means the teachers are "released" from other duties at that time.

In our state, a lot of staff or professional development is mandated by the state. It is up to the districts how to schedule it.

[jtuck004]

5. I know. Early release is what they call it at the county jail for good time, too. A fair number

of prisons and jails have used it for years, however.

The language describes the situation of a captive. Maybe it is more accurate than it should be.