Kids deserve the same dignity that adults expect.
It is unbelievable that children, when reaching the age of 16, are free to dropout of school. It is unconscionable to allow children to make such a life-altering decision. The destructive result for the nation is lost productivity, reduced tax base, the increased interdependence on government services, like welfare, etc. Some years ago UNC did a survey of high school dropouts, and to their surprise, they discovered that the typical dropout had an above average I.Q. Schools don't always challenge the bright kids, they become bored, lose interest, fall behind and ultimately become discouraged and give up. Along the way to dropping out, there are very strong and complex forces pulling and pushing the student.