Looking back, I can say for myself...at the conclusion of the 10th grade, I should have had some ‘test-out’ procedure and wrapped up high school. The 12th grade was a waste of time for me, and with the exception of geometry and calculus in the 11th grade, there was no plus-up. It would have made more sense to leave high school then, and have gone to some community college or trade-school operation.
I’ve brought this up with a number of people, with about half of folks admitting the same uselessness to the last two years of high school.
“...at the conclusion of the 10th grade, I should have had some ‘test-out’ procedure and wrapped up high school.”
I tend to agree, at least for those with basic competence with reading, writing, and algebra. That group should be able to easily pass the GED and move on to life at age 16. Instead, we create laws that keep them from full employment until 18 due to “safety” so they maintain their childish ways rather than growing up. This is an area where most European countries show better judgement by creating a clear division that starts earlier in life and is fully implemented by age 16 with pathways to work/career or further academic development. There is no “everybody must go to college” impetus driving parents’ thinking because a satisfactory life can be gained in a technical career where further education is earned through performance. The employer is glad to pay for education to get an even more qualified worker as their skills increase.