Employers still need employees who have learned to think critically and creativity, can synthesize information, and can communicate clearly orally and in writing. These are skills that are learned in an academic setting and not easily tested.

One must keep in mind that a university education doesn’t serve the sole purpose of preparing workers – that’s the role of a technical/vocational education and easily relegated to businesses as a function of training and development.

I’d argue that it’s the general studies (liberal arts) that are used to advance us both professionally and socially and that the vocational studies can be learned on the job much more effectively. It’s that awareness of cultural exchange we gain in the liberal arts core that makes us more than a machine or “working class Joe”.

just my opinion though – I’m a proponent of a strong liberal arts education.

Plus American parents, once hearing these outcries, will almost always side with the teachers since in their unanimous minds a) they always want their child to get the best, b) teachers always hit a soft note with them, and c) it’s “just another way that big bad businesses are trying to get to their children at an earlier age” is what most parents would think.

I can understand your point though. I’ve always had a notion that while these general studies classes (core classes) can be educating, IMO they should all be voluntary. If some students want to take them along with their career-oriented courses, then by all means. But if not then I would like something that allows the student to not have to and instead focus on the important classes to their major.

That, and it doesn’t matter how much information is available on the Internet if you can’t grasp it by reading alone. Sometimes, for some people, there’s just no substitute for in-class instruction and discussion.