“...at the conclusion of the 10th grade, I should have had some ‘test-out’ procedure and wrapped up high school.”
I tend to agree, at least for those with basic competence with reading, writing, and algebra. That group should be able to easily pass the GED and move on to life at age 16. Instead, we create laws that keep them from full employment until 18 due to “safety” so they maintain their childish ways rather than growing up. This is an area where most European countries show better judgement by creating a clear division that starts earlier in life and is fully implemented by age 16 with pathways to work/career or further academic development. There is no “everybody must go to college” impetus driving parents’ thinking because a satisfactory life can be gained in a technical career where further education is earned through performance. The employer is glad to pay for education to get an even more qualified worker as their skills increase.
“thinking because a satisfactory life can be gained in a technical career where further education is earned through performance.”
Thanx to genes from wife,who attended one room schoolhouse and was told — when she finished the thick book she was given, she could go to high school...She finished it ,went to HS at 11 yrs , to college at 15,graduated at 19 and I married her at 20 (I was 21).
Won’t go into detail, but the youngest offspring,(PhD..Math) made more money his first 2 yrs on Wall St. than I did my whole working life..Life has been good !!