[usmom]

Mandatory education should end at 16, as it did in the past. Kids who don't want to be in school should be given the freedom to get a job.

You know, I have to agree. By high school, it should be coming clear which students have the aptitude for/want to pursue higher education and professional fields and those that don't. Why force everyone into the same boat and bring everyone down? At least by 15 or 16, those that know they would rather be trained in a trade or just go out into the work force on their own should be allowed to do so and let those that WANT to continue on towards higher education do so. The kids that don't want to be there just end up getting into and making trouble while wasting valuable years of their lives that could be spent learning a trade or working. School really does just become a holding pen after that time.

[syriacus]

I think you did a good job of laying out the reasoning behind what I said.

I think that enforcing laws that make kids remain in (academic) school beyond 16 is a waste of time, energy and money.

[Jim Noble]

Why force everyone into the same boat and bring everyone down?

Because if you don't, the graduation photo won't "look like America".