Reply #55: My point is, why should kids bother?

[tomreedtoon]

They clearly see society going to Hell. They see their parents out of work, no job listings, businesses closing all over the place. There will be no work for them. They have no place in what is considered "civilized" society.

Oh, some may want to get an education for personal, conceited, stubborn reasons. But like all humans, the majority only does what's in their personal interest. Studying for a job they will never get doesn't make sense.

I'm sure it will be good for the schools, though. As an old grade school teacher of mine once said with uncontained glee at exam time, "The less, the merrier." Where Bush got rid of kids through back-door expulsion and created the "Texas Miracle" of high average scores, all schools will have their grade averages go up as kids simply give up and take to the streets. It'll be the "American Miracle." And it'll happen without the teachers or administration needing to do anything. Social malaise will be the salvation of American education, although not American society.