Rethinking the college-for-all ethos

ABSTRACT

A college-for-all ethos has been an echoed refrain of American society since the 1990s, but in recent years, it has found a challenge in the burgeoning belief that a college degree is of subjective value and potentially unnecessary to find a well-paying job. This article casts light on these opposed viewpoints in an effort to determine the objective modern-day value of postsecondary education. In the article, we use Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model to provide a framework through which educators can support students as they attempt to discern the best postsecondary and career plans for them. We examine current literature to determine whether or not the two aforementioned perspectives align with current research, assess research demonstrative of Bronfenbrenner’s posited complexity, and dissect the concepts put forth through our use of the Ecological Systems Model.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional Resources

• 1. Curry, J. R. & Milsom, A. (2021). Career and college readiness counseling in P-12 schools. Springer Publishing Company.

This book by Curry and Milsom is geared toward school counselors but is relevant for all professionals in the school system. The first chapter focuses on an ecosystem approach to career counseling. The authors provide practical applications of career activities for all grade levels, including post-secondary, and include cultural considerations and career assessments.

• 2. American School Counselor Association, National Association of Elementary School Principals, & National Association of Secondary School Principals. (2016). College and Career Readiness for All: A Handbook for Using Noncognitive Skills to Improve Student Success. https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/docs/lfa-college-and-career-readiness-for-all-handbook.pdf

This digital handbook sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals offers teachers, administrators, and school counselors a framework to collaborate on college and career readiness. The guide has templates that educators may find helpful in aiding them to start collaborative efforts focused on college and career readiness. It also provides a list of additional resources and links related to college and career readiness.

• 3. U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. (2022). CareerOneStop: Your Source for Career Exploration, Training & Jobs. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.careeronestop.org

CareerOneStop is a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor that offers sections where students can explore careers (self-assessments, look at general information, explore employment trends, watch videos, and investigate skills and occupations), view salary and benefits information, and review education and training. Teachers and school counselors could utilize this website to help students gain ecological knowledge of careers.