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<p>Looking at the various associates degree and certificate programs (mostly pre-professional or vocational oriented) at a community college, it seems that very few of them require any math at all (those that do appear to be mainly for those intending to transfer to four year schools).</p>
<p>I’d be hesitant to decide, based on high school that someone isn’t “cut out” for college. I know many people who weren’t ready for college at 18, but had a lot of success later.</p>
<p>If she loves children, there are definitely options in education. She could study for and take the Parapro exam, which is like Praxis for Paraprofessionals/Teacher’s assistants, and get a job in a school, probably in a preschool or kindergarten setting, or in a special education classroom. Once there she can look at the different roles you see in a school setting. Perhaps if she finds something that’s motivating to her it will give her a reason to go back to school and become a teacher. As more states open more state preschool classes, and as expectations for credentials in NAEYC accredited preschools and head start programs, increase there is a demand for teachers of young children with associates and bachelor’s degrees.</p>
<p>In addition, Early Childhood college programs in particular tend to be pretty hands on. Someone who might struggle with a typical college degree program, but who loves kids and is motivated to do right by them, can find ECE programs to be rewarding and interesting. Writing up a lesson plan that you’re submitting to your professor and teaching in front of your students and colleagues can be a huge motivator.</p>
<p>Other options that can pay well and involve young children include ABA therapists for kids with autism, and nannies. Again, both can give someone a chance to try out a role, and might either turn out to be the perfect career, or might give someone the motivation to go back for a degree.</p>
<p>I definitely think education, while not a moneymaker, is a career that satisfies. Those who go into education willingly are generally very happy with their decision. Here in CA, I don’t necessarily think a Master’s is required–I know some people who were “high risk”/overeducated types because they had too much schooling. My understanding is that it’s better to start with just a bachelor’s and work towards achieving a master’s once said instructor is already hired/tenured (tenure in CA is 2 years+1 day). This is not verified knowledge–this is stuff I culled from my high school teachers. </p>
<p>Either way, if your daughter wants to go into education and she’s passionate about it, she shouldn’t write it off. And ITA with the therapy suggestions. Therapy may be right up her alley. And entrepreneurship. I know a very bright and successful young woman who runs a house-cleaning business and makes a substantial amount of money annually just by taking a crew to clean homes! Admittedly, she works in a gorgeous neighborhood, but the initiative was there, and she figured out how to put it together. </p>
<p>It’s all about your daughter identifying what she wants and how she’s going to be able to get there. I wouldn’t worry so much at this point.</p>
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<p>What books or web sites would someone use if trying to do this independently?</p>
<p>Beliavsky, There’s a teen version of “What Color Is Your Parachute?” that might work. My sister used the adult version to make a (very successful) career change in midlife. The book my older D used when contemplating college is called “I Could Be Anything, IF only I know What It Was”. The key, I think, is to take the surveys and quizzes and do the self-reflection exercises with sincerity.</p>
<p>I think an average person is capable of making a living. Many do. Your problem may be the view of the world you get from CC.</p>
<p>Your D sounds like 75% of the country. A lot of kids on CC sound like top 10%. </p>
<p>Try raising your hopes for her. Of course, if you care about her future more than she does, it can be stressful.</p>
<p>Madaboutx, I know that cc is not the world. If she was a better student, she would have loved to go to Penn State. But neither of us were ever fixated on the Ivy league prestige thing that permeates this place. We had the school test her for learning disabilities back in 5th grade. All they said was borderline ADD. Meds didn’t work for her, all they did was get her hyper. And I always felt there was something else going on. So we’re having her tested again, this time privately. If they find something, and if there turns out to be a strategy that works, that’s great. But under the best of circumstances, she’s just not that interested in academics. She is interested in getting good grades, which is another thing entirely. Her school is full of overachievers and it kills her self esteem to work hard and still barely pass. The school talks up AP classes but I told her that they love to have a high % of kids taking AP because it makes the school look good. But that doesn’t mean that’s what’s best for her. And that most colleges don’t require APs. </p>
<p>I just looked online at her mid-term grades. Mostly Cs and C+, except for the epic fail that is Geometry. It is a sign of how bad things have gotten that those grades relieved me. A mid-term is high pressure, and a 75 or 77 is something very close to a B. It’s something to work with. </p>
<p>CuriousJane, your thoughts about early childhood education sound right on the money for her. </p>
<p>Right now, sure, it’s possible things get turned around and she could go to a state directional. But I’m just trying to think of the other possibilities that could be out there.</p>
<p>I know someone who was a terrible student especially in math and science. He flunked out of his first semester of college, went to community college for a couple of years, continued his education at a state university, then finished up his degree going to night school. It took about 6-7 years to complete his degree. He has excellent people skills. He now works in IT management making over $150,000. So there is hope. You just have to be persistent.</p>