That step was not a right, but a privilege, earned by hard work, and let's face it, an ability to excel in the academic arena. With grants and scholarships we are eliminating poverty as a barrier, but talent should still be required. Sadly,people are measured more and more by tangible success. And that comes predominantly from cerebral accomplishments. There is nothing wrong with moving off the book track if we provide skills for alternative careers.
Dropouts now have few choices to learn valuable skills.
We should make those opportunities as accessible and acceptable as traditional schooling. For all of those who may scream about cutting off opportunity, I still believe that to a great extent we make our own. If a child has the motivation, drive and ability to succeed in school, so be it. For those who are struggling, but have the will to continue, we should provide tutoring and summer classes. We must not demean their efforts or education, by requiring less, simply so more can pass.