Other Ways to Win: The Losers in the One Way to Win Game.

As I continue through "Other Ways to Win", the three part setup of the book is becoming clear. I have been taught to reflect with a "What; So What; Now What" style, or Kolb's model. Part one of this book answers "What": There is a problem in our nations high schools that is the one way to win philosophy. Part two answers "So What/Who is effected". Gray and Herr make it clear that those who are greatest effected by this philosophy are those they call the academic middle.

Who is the academic middle? They are our students who 1) do not necessarily want to go to college but feel that is what they are supposed to do, and 2) Those who may want to go to college but may not be prepared and struggle to succeed.

High school is often looked at as preparation for college. If that is the case, why are students not prepared in general academics? I read two interesting statistics that say "Of 70% who are in the supposed academic or college prep program, only a little over half take what would be called a minimal college prep set of classes" and "52% of of students pursuing the one way to win dream at 4-year colleges are not academically prepared" causing them to take remedial classes that put them behind. How can ag ed help with this? Ag classes present science and math in a unique way. I believe we can open students minds to college majors that promote success in  these areas, leading to increased effort from these students. I also feel that the mentor role of the ag teacher will be critical for those students who are discerning whether to attend college. SAE/FFA experiences can provide evidence of thought in their choice

One last piece of evidence I found interesting: Around 30% of graduates are college prepped, but go to work instead, and less than half of them have no CTE experience. Ag provides some basic CTE training to suit these students as well as connections to the workforce.

I believe this part of the book helps my career-prepped/college-ready commitment by highlighting those students who will most need help. Of course our programs may not reflect these exact statistics. Nevertheless, it is important that we understand the academic demographic of our program, and fit our teaching to meet their needs. I am looking forward to reading about the "Now What" of part three, and seeing how to create other ways to win!