There has been a lot of talk lately about the state of America’s high schools. Students are not only failing to graduate, but they are failing to master the basic elements of English, math, science and history.

In a Feb. 26 speech to the National Education Summit on High Schools, Bill Gates said “our high schools ? even when they’re working exactly as designed ? cannot teach our kids what they need to know today.” Gates is not alone in his thinking. Many have concluded that public high schools are failing in their mission to educate students and prepare them for the work force or higher education.

There are alternatives to the traditional four-year colleges such as community colleges and career training schools. Students can choose alternative routes to achieve their career goals. Regardless of where students go following high school, they still need the skills necessary to survive in the work force. As it stands, our high schools are not getting the job done.

What do you think? Are you concerned that your students aren’t prepared to survive in the work force of tomorrow? What changes do you recommend?