DEAR ABBY: I am an administrator at a school that has both secondary and post-secondary occupational training. Like "Honor Student," I am offended at the insinuation that vocational students are low achievers who need a "lesser" school to attend. I applaud you and "Honor Student" for standing up for these students.
Our students are a cross section of the students of today. They include the average, below-average and above-average. Many in the post-secondary school have some college or a degree. These students are the ones who keep the public's cars running, the plumbing operating, repair the TVs and erect the homes. Don't forget that building the building is equally as important as designing it.
One point you failed to recognize needs to be noted. You mentioned the benefits to the students, but there is a benefit to the public as well. -- DOYLE SLATEN, PRESIDENT, FOOTHILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, SEARCY, ARK.
DEAR DOYLE: Thank you for pointing out the benefit to the community that vocational education provides. In addition to the courses of study that you mentioned, courses in medical technology, bookkeeping and accounting, court reporting, computer drafting, electronics, bartending and casino dealing -- to mention only a few of the options -- are offered. For those readers who are interested in pursuing this further, your local phone book is an excellent resource.