should drivers ed be a required class in high school?
155894
I think it should be.  That way we know inexperienced drivers are getting the proper training to become good drivers.\n\nHope that sounds right!!
201088
I don't think anybody learns anything in high school anymore. It's not really there to educate nowadays; it's just a system set in place to keep teenage kids from wandering the streets during the day - the government's way to try to cut down on vandalism and crime.
169556
Nope. You only get a "high school" diploma from a high school. You can get a GED on your own.
262911
Apparently so.  I've heard of people even not being allowed to graduate high school if they don't pass the exit-level TAKS.  Personally, I think the TAKS is pointless.  It doesn't accurately portray a child's intellectual capabilities, and isn't a fair representation because the conditions in which it is administered aren't very conducive to especially elementary or middle-school kids.  Legally, however, a school is still able to put a child back a grade because of a failed TAKS.
993395
I believe it should be required. One of the most important and influencial classes i ever took.
808051
hell no. for highschool theres the a-g requirements(to get into college) and the graduation requirements(to grduate). all requiring dedication. fails are not accepted, and therefore you have to take it over. do not take it lightly.
177773
As a former, now retired, classroom instructor I am opposed to any and all standardized tests such as the WASL as a requirement for granduation. Unfortunetly in most states they make such requirements a condition for graduation.\n\nThese tests give otherwise intelligent students the feeling and belief that they are "dumb" because they fail or place low on these tests. I had a large number of students who were poor in reading, math, science and other subjects fail such tests yet they were very intelligent. \n\nThese tests are made for the academic student who does well in school and is usually university bound. They do not take into account that not all graduating students intend to proceed to university. \n\nMany of these students whom do poorly on tests such as the WASL can be given an automotive repair manual and they can read and do all the calculations required; but cannot pass the required mandated tests. Others can build, program, and repair complex computers with ease but cannot pass the requied standardized tests. Why? Because they do not think in academic terms but in their own methods of acheving the required completion of their interests. These students are not "dumb" but will be labled as such for the rest of their lives. \n\nIn defence of such standardized tests, there should not be a pass/fail stipulation on these tests. I believe that all people, young or older should know how to read, write, and do mathmatics; some may not learn this for a number of years after graduation. No standardized test will accomplish this.
401332
I think there should.\nBeing in highschool myself, I know what my peers are capable of doing.\nLots of kids bring in guns and knives.\nI think it would be a good way to keep the youth from being corrupted.
584124
If you have the opportunity to get a true high school diploma, I would suggest that 1st.  it is usually looked upon in a much better light.  however if it is not an option, a G.E.D. is definitely better than nothing.
743067
Some schools have a career development class. I know my high school did. You actually had to have a job outside of school and then in school, you took a class one period a day.
449202
High school is very little work for many with intelligence.\n\nMy sincere suggestion is that if high school really is challenging for you, then you really need to study to prepare to be an adult!  Even if you work at McDonald's for the rest of your life, you still need a few basics...
1180150
I'm an elementary school teacher (first grade and now kindergarten).  When you have small children with many absences or tardies, there's something wrong with the parents.  Small children need the help of adults to get to school on time.  In the case of elementary school aged children I would say yes.  When kids get to be teenagers in middle and high school, it's a  different story.  By that age I think teens should be responsible enough to get themselves to school on time.  Some kids purposely ditch certain classes.  In that case I don't think it's fair to hold parents responsible.  I think teens should be punished for ditching their classes.  Maybe they should be forced to do detention or Saturday school; if they continue, make the punishment even harsher.  Perhaps if you've been absent a certain number of days you shouldn't be allowed to graduate until you make up those hours.  Or maybe they could require teens to complete some sort of community service to make up those hours.  I think it's time that we make people responsible for their own actions.
272648
Absolutely; I don't think too many topics should be off limits in high school.  HOWEVER: creationism or Intelligent Design or whatever you want to call it does NOT belong in science class, because it does NOT fall under the definition of what makes science science.  (And arguing that evolution isn't a perfect theory either is no defense--evolution still falls under the defintion of a scientific theory, while creationism does not.)  Further, the idea that science classes are the place to "teach the controversy" is baloney, because at that point you might as well teach the controversy that the Turtle God swallows the sun every night and poops it out again the next morning....Does this mean students have to be forced to accept evolution?  Not at all--but science accepts it (yes they do), therefore it belongs in science class.  \n\nThe place to teach the controversy is in social studies--and frankly, nowadays I think you'd be remiss if you DIDN'T bring it up there.  And of course if there's any public high school brave enough to have a religious studies class, then the controversy would certainly belong there.  In short: teach them both, just teach them in their proper places.
765002
Yes, junior high school as an optional class and high school mandatory.  I also believe that people should be licensed to be parents.  There are too many rules in America, but I could live with adding this one.  If someone can't pass a parenting class, why should they be allowed to have children?  I know, it's too much trouble, but what an idea!  Only qualified parents!  Maybe there were be less neglected and abused kids.
770902
Yes they should be able to. Here's my thought on it. They should be made to take certain "core" classes to have basic skills, such as english and math. They should take these courses up to a certain level. Other than those, they should be able to choose any kind of classes they want to. It's important to have trade classes for students that don't want to go to college or for people who just want to take them.
638863
Depends on the teenager! Those who want to skip will do so regardless of whether or not they have a car to their disposal. You don't need a car to skip school.
285264
It's true for me, technically. I don't use most of what I learned in high school in my job. But I do think it's a good idea to learn as much as you can in high school. It makes you a more well-rounded and interesting person later if you know something about history, literature, language, numbers, etc.