Importance of a High School Diploma/GED

[Josh]

I’ll continue to stand by #2: there are very few consequences for the rare case of someone who hasn’t completed HS claiming they have. Soloist and I explained why, having found it’s never verified. (He include relevant military experience.)

Any of us who have been homeschooled (including enlistees) know this, since our parents would know if someone called the number listed or sent them a letter to verify the diploma. Basically never happens.

The reason? A high school education is essentially worthless and not even worth faking, particularly a public school high school education. I need cite nothing other than literacy rates of high school “graduate” in large city school districts.

[mennonitemom1]

I don’t think Jesus had one

[Neto]

I’ll continue to stand by #2: there are very few consequences for the rare case of someone who hasn’t completed HS claiming they have. Soloist and I explained why, having found it’s never verified. (He include relevant military experience.)

Any of us who have been homeschooled (including enlistees) know this, since our parents would know if someone called the number listed or sent them a letter to verify the diploma. Basically never happens.

The reason? A high school education is essentially worthless and not even worth faking, particularly a public school high school education. I need cite nothing other than literacy rates of high school “graduate” in large city school districts.

I would agree that the DIPLOMA is generally of no practical value in terms of securing employment, etc., but the value of the EDUCATION depends on the quality of that education, and what direction the child takes later in life. Two of my brothers went through trade school classes in HS that later became their area of employment, and I would assume that the schooling they received in that HS program benefited them, and helped them secure their first employment in those respective fields. (I have no idea if those employers ever asked for documented proof of their completion of those courses, but surely the learning they received there was to their advantage.) Even I benefited from what they learned there, because I learned things from them in those skill areas.
I personally benefited from my HS education, in various areas that helped me move on in college courses in the social sciences. I also learned to type in HS, a skill which I'm using right now. My first writing skills were developed there, and in 8th grade English (yes, pre HS, so maybe this doesn't apply) we were taught how to write both personal and business letters. HS Speech class background was helpful when I took the same topic/course in college, and thereafter when as a missionary, I was expected to give presentations to various congregations who were supporting us both in prayer and in finances.

[temporal1]

There is another factor that can’t be quantified.
There remains an INTERNAL feeling of accomplishment that has no tangible value, but it’s strong.

There is some kind of personal+social stigma that may be almost impossible to shake, for those who do not have a H.S. diploma.

For a long time in history, a high school diploma was respected, possibly more valued than many of today’s 4 year degrees.
Many sacrificed to earn the achievement. This results in a different outcome from, “it’s required, you have no choice.”

Time has not erased that mindset, regardless of practical lived reality.

It may not do what it once did regarding opening doors. But, internally, it holds people back.
Even people who have achieved and are wealthy and happy! They will still have that nagging voice, “But i didn’t” ..

It’s much easier for those WITH diplomas to dismiss them, than those without. Internal messages.

[Ken]

I don’t think Jesus had one

But Jesus and many of the apostles were indeed educated and literate. Both in rabbinic studies as well as practical studies like medicine. For example, the apostle Luke was a physician.

The writings of the apostle Paul and the gospels are not the writings of uneducated men.

[ken_sylvania]

I don’t think Jesus had one

But Jesus and many of the apostles were indeed educated and literate. Both in rabbinic studies as well as practical studies like medicine. For example, the apostle Luke was a physician.

The writings of the apostle Paul and the gospels are not the writings of uneducated men.

John 7:14-15
Acts 4:13

[Josh]

I don’t think Jesus had one

But Jesus and many of the apostles were indeed educated and literate. Both in rabbinic studies as well as practical studies like medicine. For example, the apostle Luke was a physician.

The writings of the apostle Paul and the gospels are not the writings of uneducated men.

Do you have any actual evidence or historical record they were "learned" in the modern sense of the word? I don't think Jesus or the apostles went and completed terminal degrees, attending university until they were 28.

[Ken]

I don’t think Jesus had one

But Jesus and many of the apostles were indeed educated and literate. Both in rabbinic studies as well as practical studies like medicine. For example, the apostle Luke was a physician.

The writings of the apostle Paul and the gospels are not the writings of uneducated men.

Do you have any actual evidence or historical record they were "learned" in the modern sense of the word? I don't think Jesus or the apostles went and completed terminal degrees, attending university until they were 28.

We know a great deal about education in the ancient world, in both the Roman and Hebrew worlds at that time. Both Jesus and the apostles (at least those who wrote) were educated and literate men as is clearly evident from the quality of their writing and thinking. Are you arguing otherwise?

Of course they didn't attend modern American high schools. They didn't drive cars, send emails, use cell phones, fly on airplanes, or a thousand other modern things we take for granted.

[Josh]

But Jesus and many of the apostles were indeed educated and literate. Both in rabbinic studies as well as practical studies like medicine. For example, the apostle Luke was a physician.

The writings of the apostle Paul and the gospels are not the writings of uneducated men.

Do you have any actual evidence or historical record they were "learned" in the modern sense of the word? I don't think Jesus or the apostles went and completed terminal degrees, attending university until they were 28.

We know a great deal about education in the ancient world, in both the Roman and Hebrew worlds at that time. Both Jesus and the apostles (at least those who wrote) were educated and literate men as is clearly evident from the quality of their writing and thinking. Are you arguing otherwise?

Of course they didn't attend modern American high schools. They didn't drive cars, send emails, use cell phones, fly on airplanes, or a thousand other modern things we take for granted.

People with 8th grade (Mennonite) educations are literate. Are you saying people need to go to college now in order to be literate and able to read?