I would like to hear professional educators opinion on this, not the state twist that if fed to people, but educators opinions.

 

For those who do not know what ILP is: it is a web based survey that all students in Kentucky, sixth grade through twelfth grade, have to participate in. This survey asks students to answer questions of interest then provides them with careers that suit their interest.

 

Now, I have just reviewed my sons first portion of this survey, as advised by a note that I received from his guidance counselor. So, granted I have a limited knowledge thus far. With all this said, my first response to this process is: "I'm Torqued".

 

My son is a straight "A" student, a member of the junior high academic team, on the honor role, and if I say so my self, is very intelligent. He likes and does well in mathematics and science, which I believe is where the US falls short in comparison to global education.

 

So, with his great knowledge and interest in mathematics and science, and his apparent ability to excel in these fields. Where do you think this "Great educational tool" has placed him? What field do you think this "Great educational tool" says that he will do well in? Surely with his interest in mathematics and science, coupled with his high GPA and well above average state test scores, he would be well suited for the engineering field, or the medical field, wouldn't he?

 

The state mandated survey says that my son would be well suited as a "Beer Brewmaster".

 

So, I just sat and talked to my son about, how he can do anything that he wants. How this survey means nothing. How he needs to do all the survey sections, then disregard it. I had to tell him that he could go to college and go into what ever field that he wanted, and it was about doing something that he enjoys and will provide him with an income. I had to tell him how this was nothing more then stereotyping and meant nothing.

I didn't really fall under the age group that is getting hit hard with this ILP stuff. But as a student I will say I don't like it at all, it seems pointless to me, but thats just my personal opinion.

This is very pointless to high school students as well as they just try to finish their ILP online as fast as they can, so that they can be done with it.

This is very pointless to high school students as well as they just try to finish their ILP online as fast as they can, so that they can be done with it.

 

:thumb: Yeah, I can agree 100% to that.

At least it's better than "bartender" which is also on the list. The ILP usually does not come up with just one job but rather like a top 10. This program replaced another one that was in progress for student's but just a tech. version that is eaiser to keep track of throughout edu. career. I'm not advocating this program but it is State Mandated, and I do believe it helps focus students that do not have the focus (which your child is probably not included in that group) it also gives the ones that have focus some more options to think about....I'm not exactly sure how much a brewmaster makes and I'm not sure how many of those jobs are available in the state.....I do know that my grandfather said he used to be one....but hold on, that was with moonshine......

I don't know if it is required or not, but it wouldn't be too unlikely for a brewmaster to have an engineering degree. I'm sure they are talking about a major brewery in which he would be in charge of many employees. I wouldn't take it as too big of a slight on your son, but at the same time I'm not defending the system at all. The idea of trying to help kids with choosing a career is good, but like others have said the kids do not take these things seriously.

At least it's better than "bartender" which is also on the list. The ILP usually does not come up with just one job but rather like a top 10. This program replaced another one that was in progress for student's but just a tech. version that is eaiser to keep track of throughout edu. career. I'm not advocating this program but it is State Mandated, and I do believe it helps focus students that do not have the focus (which your child is probably not included in that group) it also gives the ones that have focus some more options to think about....I'm not exactly sure how much a brewmaster makes and I'm not sure how many of those jobs are available in the state.....I do know that my grandfather said he used to be one....but hold on, that was with moonshine......

 

My dad and his dad were both "Moonshine Brewmasters" as well. I can't believe bartender is on there to. Your right it did give him several options, but the number one was "Brewmaster", then "Planner" what ever that is, and "Landscape Architect". Please, my son may end up being one of these things, but not exactly what you shoot for when you think of as a career. He is in sixth grade, I had to explain what a brewmaster was to him, I hope he does not go to school and tell the teachers that he was going to make beer as a living.

I don't know if it is required or not, but it wouldn't be too unlikely for a brewmaster to have an engineering degree. I'm sure they are talking about a major brewery in which he would be in charge of many employees. I wouldn't take it as too big of a slight on your son, but at the same time I'm not defending the system at all. The idea of trying to help kids with choosing a career is good, but like others have said the kids do not take these things seriously.

 

I considered it probably required, or encouraged, an engineering degree, and I am not saying that being a brewmaster makes you a lesser person, heck I am very glad that someone makes beer, and I am sure that it is very technical. I just don't understand why a sixth grader is told that he should go to work for Budweiser.

 

No, he didn't take it to seriously. I just began reading the stuff on the web site and could not really believe it. Just made me think.

I agree with you, when I noticed some of the jobs that were showing up I was suprised as well, this is a new program with some problems, I think the issues are in the questions that the students answer, I did not find them very detailed and was not sure how they came up with linked occupations from the types of questions that the students were asked. Just wait till next year.....7th grade writing portfolio's another outstanding state mandated idea....I hope you sense my sarcasm...

I agree with you, when I noticed some of the jobs that were showing up I was suprised as well, this is a new program with some problems, I think the issues are in the questions that the students answer, I did not find them very detailed and was not sure how they came up with linked occupations from the types of questions that the students were asked. Just wait till next year.....7th grade writing portfolio's another outstanding state mandated idea....I hope you sense my sarcasm...

 

Oh, I sense it, and continue it, when I say "I can't wait".

 

I agree with you on the questions. They asked him, if he liked working with machinery, and he answered, no preference. Do you like working with food, he said yes. He is in sixth grade, he has never worked in food, unless you consider cooking things in the microwave, working in food.

I considered it probably required, or encouraged, an engineering degree, and I am not saying that being a brewmaster makes you a lesser person, heck I am very glad that someone makes beer, and I am sure that it is very technical. I just don't understand why a sixth grader is told that he should go to work for Budweiser.

 

No, he didn't take it to seriously. I just began reading the stuff on the web site and could not really believe it. Just made me think.

 

:laugh::laugh: Aren't we all.

 

But I wouldn't worry about it, like you said, there really is no way they can determine what a middle schooler will be good at based on the list of questions. Heck, I could fill that thing out and it would probably be nowhere near what career(s) I am currently pursuing.

:laugh::laugh: Aren't we all.

 

The more I think about it, the job may have some perks. I wonder if they get some free product, or a discount or something.

The more I think about it, the job may have some perks. I wonder if they get some free product, or a discount or something.

 

Not sure, it's worth research though, I might have a new career to consider.

How much taste-testing does your job involve? I taste beer every day, and try to taste every tank of beer before we bottle it. A tough job!

 

http://www.careerone.com.au/jobs/job-search/job-market-insider/career_profile_brewmaster

Not sure, it's worth research though, I might have a new career to consider.

 

I know the employees of Eagle Distributing in Ashland (Budweiser distributor), get one free case a week.