What's the Problem With US High Schools?

GrumpySimon asks: "ABC News is reporting that High School kids are dropping out of high school in 'epidemic proportions', with an estimated 2,500 kids quitting daily. What's wrong with our school system that so many kids prefer working 40 hours a week instead? How can this be fixed?" It seems to be an America truism that "things get better after High School," and it wouldn't be surprising if most of you readers feel the same way. However, why does it have to be this way? What's the big problem with American High Schools where more and more children are feeling that it's better to risk the "real world" than to continue on with their education? Of course, another question that should be asked is: Is High School really the problem, or is it America's Educational system as a whole?

Comments

Re:This is disingenuous Media spin

[dwbryson]

And people are wondering what could possibly be wrong with Detroit schools....

Even tommarrow they just announced that instead of the traditional half-day off before Thanksgiving they are having a full day and I'm not even sure why.

If the burocracy is eleminated then the children will have a better chance of graduating and heading to college then droping or bearly graduating and going straight into the workforce.

You are entirely correct the teachers do pass anybody. Oh the irony!

Re:This is disingenuous Media spin

[kypper]

I'm an unemployed ditch digger, you insensitive clod!

Re:Why bother with college?

[AlexanderDitto]

3rd Grade: "Welcome to Science Class! Today, we'll be learning about the metric system!"

7th Grade: "Welcome to Science Class! Today, and all of this week, we'll be learning about the metric system!"

9th Grade: "Welcome to Biology! Today, and all of this week, we'll be learning about the metric system!"

10th Grade: "Welcome to Chemistry! Today, and all of this week, we'll be learning about the metric system!"

11th Grade: "Welcome to Physics! Today, and all of this week, we'll be learning about the metric system!"

1st year of College: "Welcome to Organic Chemistry! Today, and all of this week, we'll be learning about the metric system!"

It was at this point that I snapped, killed five classmates with a rubber eraser, and was sent to a mental institution.

Mental Institution: "Hello everybody! Did you know that you all are unique, special snowflakes?!"

Aaah, much better. I still twitch every time someone uses the word "centimeter" or offers to sell me a two-liter bottle.

Re:This is disingenuous Media spin

[An ominous Cow art]

And don't forget gravediggers.

Mrs. Smiley: Do you dig graves?

Niel: Yeah, they're all right, yeah.

I miss The Young Ones...

Re:This is disingenuous Media spin

[Lissajous]

... it's quite common to discuss things like Religion and Politics over dinner with friends in Europe, while these topics are often taboo here.

Actually, in Europe one never discusses religion or politics over dinner.
One should always wait until after dinner when we leave the ladies to their needlepoint, and retire to the drawing room to discuss such matters over brandy and cigars.

Of course, we'd not expect someone from the colonies to understand such matters of etiquette. I suppose that's on account of them all leaving school at such an early age.
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I'm going for informative here but just don't feel it. I'm worried it just comes off as flamebait.

Re:This is disingenuous Media spin

[Whalou]

Just something to ponder.

Something to quarter-ponder if you go to McDonalds.