To the editor: Columnist LZ Granderson drives house an essential level typically misplaced in present discussions about some great benefits of an undergraduate faculty training (“School is dear. And essential. That’s why America has sponsored it for 246 years,” Aug. 29). That time is that the main focus of an undergraduate faculty training needs to be on studying abilities that assist college students broadly in life, no matter their profession alternative. These abilities embody essential considering, collaboration with others, publicity to quite a lot of views and interpersonal communication abilities.
With the present emphasis on career-based training, it’s worthwhile to think about the advantages afforded by a liberal arts training that forces college students to ask questions, consider alternate options and be inventive.
Significantly essential is Granderson’s reminder of the significance of training in a strong democracy, championed by our founding fathers. The political local weather we discover ourselves in might use extra residents who’re curious and open to quite a lot of views.
Once I determined to return to high school as a graduate scholar, whereas additionally working full-time, many individuals assumed I used to be doing so strictly for financial causes — to earn more cash and climb the company ladder. However for me, it was the prospect to resume that spark studying has all the time ignited in me and problem myself to think about new paths.
Erika Cilengir, Culver Metropolis
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To the editor: Reflecting on “training … as [Thomas] Jefferson typically wrote, [is] important to our democracy”: As a retired faculty professor, I perceive the objectives of our career — to allow college students to contribute to constructing democracy by their engagement in professions that help variety, scientific inquiry and lifelong studying.
An previous axiom — {that a} faculty training is a ticket to a better-paying job — is not a assure. However the values of a thoughts that’s educated to be curious, reflective and analytical escape these whose perspective is grounded in monetary achieve. Right now we see the democratic values of free speech, freedom of motion and participatory voting being eroded by authoritarian dictum. As a substitute of constructing communities, the follow has been constructing partitions, to exclude those that are usually not welcome right here due to their nationwide origin, race or coloration.
For these of us who worth training in any respect ranges, it’s incumbent on us to help universities which can be being investigated, penalized and defunded for causes which can be unjustified. This isn’t the democracy that Jefferson and the opposite founders envisioned for a free nation. Maybe those that are being educated in our colleges at this time can have the mental abilities and the bravado to cease the erosion of this democracy by the hands of the bullies and know-nothings who worth energy over scientific analysis and media presence over factual proof.
Lenore Navarro, Los Angeles
