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After 8th grade, if a kid can't pass the tests or is a discipline problem, let the kid take a leave of absence -- and go out and work 40 hours per week in a low paying service job.

I like that idea. A lot.

Thank you so much for your post and endorsement there, Amelia.

I especially appreciate it because you teach the same population I have taught. And, you know: some of these kids think they know it all at 13, so -- if nothing works in terms of behavior modification, then, let them go find out.

And, IMO, here in FL, this idea really could be tried on an experimental basis in a city like Orlando, where there are SO many of these low-paying service jobs due to the hotel and tourist industry.

I honestly think some kids will have a rude awakening after they leave school to work at age 14 and buy all the consumer goods they can buy; and, by 15, may be thinking twice about the value of school --- and who knows, at 16, they may want to come back. Having a motivated kid return to school at 16 is much better than having that same kid drop out at 16.

And, for certain other kids, I think there needs to be more options in vocation education. Plumbers and electricians earn more than many teachers.

After 8th grade, if a kid can't pass the tests or is a discipline problem, let the kid take a leave of absence -- and go out and work 40 hours per week in a low paying service job.

Someone suggested on another thread yesterday that college students whose tuition is 'paid for by the government' should be required to pick peaches during the summer (or something similar) to pay off their debt to the taxpayers. One of the BEST IDEAS I've ever heard.