Not more than a few decades ago, students had merely to learn how to read, write, do simple mathematics and learn a little history and science to be able to earn enough academic credits to make a good life for themselves. Modern employers now want more, and even some entry level jobs require an advanced degree. This has given educators a unique challenge because they can no longer rest on the fact that a standard learning program will assist students to have a good life, and they must now prepare them for higher education.

Sending students on to higher levels of education is a difficult task, and it is compounded by the fact that not all students want or are able to acquire higher levels of education. For some, money is the issue that keeps them from attending further schooling, but others find they are taxed past their limits in educational matters. In any case, the need for advanced degrees might keep some students from being able to achieve a decent standard of living.