Unfortunately that's true. Many have observed that a bachelor's degree is probably equal to what a high school diploma was 40 years ago. That's how much it's been dumbed down.
There is at least one exception, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is awarded separately from the normal high school diploma. My daughter avoided the boredom of regular high school classes, got the IB diploma and a full college scholarship. The work she did for the IB would pass for graduate school work at most universities.
Her IB class had a reunion after their first year in college. Most recounted how easy college was compared to the demands IB had put on them.
"Many have observed that a bachelor's degree is probably equal to what a high school diploma was 40 years ago. That's how much it's been dumbed down. "
BINGO!
I went to high school in the early 60's. It was a small public school in a small town, but it was in the age of accountability. There were real consequences for bad behavior. The teachers were probably better educated than what we have today. Parents weren't suing the school district because their little Johnny or Susie couldn't wear their t-shirts or because they felt "persecuted" in a game of dodge ball or whatever.
The dumbing down to the lowest common denominator has not served our schools well. I do believe that my high school education is the equivalent to a college degree today. I am amazed at the number of educated fools with alphabet soup after their names.
I think that Fr. Guido Sarducci had it right. Might as well go the "Five Minute University" route. :) Anyone remember that?
As far as skipping high school and going directly to college, I think it is a bad idea. Advanced courses, yes. But these are still children in the process of growing up and dealing with puberty. They are not emotionally ready for college, IMO. They still need to learn social interaction with their peers.
What is so great about graduating from college at 18 or 19? Childhood is so short. It is a long time that one is an adult and in the working world.
Interesting option. This International Baccalaureate Diploma does not have any stigma associated with it because of 1) higher standards and 2) Very few people have heard of it. I could see that the Free Republic version of International Baccalaureate Diploma (graduates will be called FRIBies!) would have a similar weight in trying to get into a good college.