But private schools and homeschools do not. Lots of money per student doesn't mean the money is getting to them. It often goes to administrative costs.
Census: Nation's Public Schools in the Red http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1365994/posts
The percentage of kids who go on to college is not indication of the success of that student in life. So what if someone doesn't go to college as long as you can support yourself.
"But private schools and homeschools do not. Lots of money per student doesn't mean the money is getting to them. It often goes to administrative costs."
Administrative costs mnost definitely need to be cut, although things like NCLB sure aren't helping. I know our local system is spending upward of $1 million just for the testing and stat collecting. But as far as what private schools spend, I guess it depends on the school. The best private school in my area charges enough to pay for a year of tuition, room, board and books in a state college, and it's not a residential school. Tuition there is more than the per-pupil cost at the public schools -- and the education is better. Of course, they also don't accept kids who are borderline mentally retarded (heck, they don't even accept kids of average intelligence).
Going to college is not the end-all measure of success. I know lots of good and successful folks who didn't -- my mother, for instance. But generally speaking, you'll be much better off over the years if you do.
All said, this judge has no business telling the schools what to put in textbooks. But then, I don't think Congress has any business telling local schools what to teach, a la NCLB.