[Celtman]

Take away the students' justification for thinking "I don't need to know that! When will I ever use that information?" and you'll see public education improve.

      OK.  How?  (Honest question.  I would like your viewpoint.)

[Terpfen]

I can think of two methods, one of which I went through personally, that would help quite a bit.

One: a priveleges and rewards system. If your kid gets a B on that Pre-Calculus test, he gets to borrow the car for the weekend. Your kid utterly failed a history test? Take away their cell phone.

Two: a part-time job. This is what my parents did with me. 20 hours a week goes a long way to making school a preferable option to menial jobs for the rest of their lives.