Welcome to Explain It to Me, where we dive into the pressing questions of our time. Today, we’re addressing a transformative shift in education: is college truly for everyone?

According to Chelsea Waite, a senior researcher at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, more students and parents are asking this very question. In her extensive research across New England high schools, Waite discovered, “the vision they painted was that they want every single student to have a pathway to a good life.” But what does that mean if college isn't the path for every student?

Once viewed as the only route to success, the perception of college is evolving. Students are weighing the financial risks and social pressures linked to higher education, especially in light of the pandemic. Waite notes that many students are now considering alternatives like trade schools or military service.

Parents, too, are in a quandary. While they desire happiness for their children, they are grappling with the long-standing belief that more education means higher earnings. Yet, Waite points out, “there’s a whole lot of overlap” in income across different education levels.

As high schools adapt to this new mindset, there are concerns about setting low expectations. However, Waite emphasizes, “every student graduates both prepared to go to college, if they choose it, and really knowledgeable about the kind of careers they might pursue.”

Ultimately, we’re left with one profound question: are we enabling students to explore without creating dead ends in their paths? Join us next time as we continue to tackle these vital discussions.
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