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Did the students deserve to graduate? Are they at all prepared for college?

That's a joke, right?

The whole system is rotten to the bone, and when it collapses, it will drag our nation, what's left of it, down with it.

Forced high school, at least an academic program including three years of math through Trig or Algebra II, three years of science including Bio/Chem/Physics, four of history, english, three or four of a foreign language, and a mix of writing, speaking/debate/logic, is so far beyond the ability of our median high school population that constant, sustained, and methodical lies and cheating are required to keep it going.

Successful mastery of this traditional American high school diploma program was achieved by 25% of the white population in 1941 (who were MUCH better prepared than the white population of today), this is probably close to the fraction of the white population that should go to high school for four years today.

And "are they at all prepared for college"?

No. They are not at all prepared for college. College is a dysfunctional stew of drug use, intoxication, sexual excess, and petty criminality. Less than 10% of "students" currently in college belong there. If 80% of the college seats vanished tomorrow, the nation would be much better off - except the first to go would be the small fraction who actually belong there.

Compulsory education, or at least its systematic implementation through popular democracy, will destroy our people. The first step to sanity is to end it at grade 8.

There's a reason most high schools look like prisons.

"Compulsory education, or at least its systematic implementation through popular democracy, will destroy our people. The first step to sanity is to end it at grade 8." As an educator, I agree that our system is completely broken. However, the we have built our cultural around this system of free day care for the masses. The only way I can see to, somewhat, improve this situation is to create a three tiered, or tracks, education system after grade 8. During grade 8 the students would choose, based on test scores, work samples, and work ethic/interest. These tracks would look something like: Track One -A straight to work path where students learn job and life skills to help them get a job. Track Two -A Technical school track that would prepare students for an associates or a technical type degree. Track Three -This would be a track for the top tier students who are going to a four year university. This tier would include the high maths, sciences, and other skills necessary to truly prepare students for college. Combine this tracking with a discontinuation of the Federal Student loan program and you will happier and better prepared students.