We ought to make school like it was before the 20th century, available only to those who can afford it or score into it. That's how college is today. Elementary and high school was like that too. And what were kids doing then, before school became mandatory? Working at the same jobs their parents worked in. They didn't have a choice or future. They didn't think about what they wanted to be when they grew up. They knew what they were going to be because they didn't have any other skills but the ones taught by their parents. That's how "old money" stayed rich, while they poor stayed poor and uneducated. Americans are wondering why immigrants are taking our jobs. Because they are more educated and qualified for these jobs! They took their education seriously. Sure, you don't need a college degree to be important, but at least take advantage of every opportunity handed to you and strive to be the best you can be with whatever you find yourself in. By slacking off, being disrespectful, and making a fool of yourself, you're wasting your time, the teacher's time, and wasting resources and opportunities. You may not go to the best school, but that doesn't mean you can't learn ANYTHING from it.?