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At my kids' HS, the top ten was five percent of the class. The notion that everyone should get a college education is probably part of the problem. As I said, I've been in dozens of classes with kids at a couple of the most desirable (USNR type anyway) colleges and the kids a these colleges (not my kids) are no dummies.

ML/NJ

The notion that everyone should get a college education is probably part of the problem.

I'm with you on that. Our local high school operates on the attitude that they'll prepare everyone for college. Yet, it has one of the highest drop out rates in the state (which is a low performing state)! Obviously, they are attempting something most of the student cannot do (or don't want to) - and they quit instead.

As I said, I've been in dozens of classes with kids at a couple of the most desirable (USNR type anyway) colleges and the kids a these colleges (not my kids) are no dummies.

I didn't mean to imply that the students are dumb. It's the curriculum plus how the teachers interpret it. I think kids today are just as capable as those of yesteryear - even more capable because of the techology they've been involved with since a young age, actually. But most schools expect little, making the kids lack motivation to go beyond those expectations. Not all, of course, but more and more every year ;(