[wintertime]

using technology to slash costs
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I agree.

Charles Murray has written wonderful essays on using qualifying exams ( instead of college transcripts) to show proficiency in various areas of knowledge. Kahn Academy math classes are already available on the Internet. Why not simply offer a certifiable exam at a reputable testing agency and use this score for employment and academic purposes?

Also....Most of the work done in the U.S. requires no more ( at most) a solid 8th graded education. Even being President of the United States of America does NOT require a college degree. Harry S Truman never went to college!

Employers should be encouraged to use SAT/ACT scores and internships to identify bright and teachable employees.

[redgolum]

There was a Supreme Court case that banned using testing as a condition of employment. Because racism.

Murray talked about it at length

[9YearLurker]

Yep—a rigorous college-level GED could be very effective. It would have to be very rigorous—almost of a level of the Chartered Financial Analyst exams, but for general (or specialized) math, science, world history, etc. That way it would have real value (as opposed to the dumbed-down GED at the high school level.)