文档介绍：INTRODUCTION
There is a Need
Does school prepare children for the real world? "Study hard and get good grades and
you will find a high-paying job with great benefits," my parents used to say. Their
goal in life was to provide a college education for my older sister and me, so that
we would have the greatest chance for ess in life. When T finally earned my diploma
in 1976-graduating with honors, and near the top of my class, in accounting from Florida
State University-my parents had realized their goal. It was the crowning achievement
of their lives. In accordance with the "Master Plan," I was hired by a "Big 8" accounting
firm, and I looked forward to a long career and retirement at an early age.
My husband, Michael, followed a similar path. We both came from hard-working families,
of modest means but with strong work ethics. Michael also graduated with honors, but
he did it twice: first as an engineer and then from law school. He was quickly recruited
by a prestigious Washington, ., law firm that specialized in patent law, and his
future seemed bright, career path well-defined and early retirement guaranteed.
Although we have been essful in our careers, they have not turned out quite as
we expected. We both have changed positions several times-for all the right reasons-but
there are no pension plans vesting on our behalf. Our retirement funds are growing
only through our individual contributions.
Michael and I have a wonderful marriage with three great children. As I write this,
two are in college and one is just beginning high school. We have spent a fortune
making sure our children have received the best education available.
One day in 1996, one of my children came home disillusioned with school. He was bored
and tired of studying. "Why should I put time into studying subjects I will never
use in real life?" he protested.
Without thinking, I responded, "Because if you don't get good grades, you won't get