The Golden Era of Small Town Public Education
The Pillars of the Era, Circa 1945-1982
Small Town Schools Were Fully Competitive with Larger, Wealthier Schools
1. We learned from textbooks, the same textbooks being used in schools of every size, all across the country. Our Labs were simple and affordable. Typewriters, kitchen
appliances and assorted wood working machines.
2. Dedicated teachers were plentiful, affordable and competitive.
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3. The much sought after 4-year college degree was affordable without fear of crippling debt.
4. Graduates not attending college had ready access to careers in the prospering local economy. Those jobs provided "next stage"" vocational education via job training.
5. Because Union City was a prosperous small town, public school philanthropy was active, although exclusively focused on supporting students seeking 4-year degrees.
6. Career Guidance counseling was simple: college choice or local career, perhaps military service or service options such as Peace Corp. Affordability was relevant but not a make-or-break factor in pursuing goals and dreams.
Our "Ask" from You
Take a few minutes to learn about "Reality21." Consider becoming part of the alumni group that will reach back and help students who have dreams a lot like ours, but were not born into the golden era.
To Overview Video (scan south here)
The Dominate Role of the 4-Year Degree
The Pillars of the Era, Circa 1945-1982
Small Town Schools Were Fully Competitive with Larger, Wealthier Schools
1. We learned from textbooks, the same textbooks being used in schools of every size, all across the country. Our Labs were simple and affordable. Typewriters, kitchen
appliances and assorted wood working machines.
2. Dedicated teachers were plentiful, affordable and competitive.
----------------------------
3. The much sought after 4-year college degree was affordable without fear of crippling debt.
4. Graduates not attending college had ready access to careers in the prospering local economy. Those jobs provided "next stage"" vocational education via job training.
5. Because Union City was a prosperous small town, public school philanthropy was active, although exclusively focused on supporting students seeking 4-year degrees.
6. Career Guidance counseling was simple: college choice or local career, perhaps military service or service options such as Peace Corp. Affordability was relevant but not a make-or-break factor in pursuing goals and dreams.
Our "Ask" from You
Take a few minutes to learn about "Reality21." Consider becoming part of the alumni group that will reach back and help students who have dreams a lot like ours, but were not born into the golden era.
To Overview Video (scan south here)