Would dropping mandatory education improve the country in any way?

[Sin-Muballit]

It just seems to me that forcing parents to send their kids to school creates more of a police state environment at the schools, where kids are held against their will. And that if only people who wanted to be in school were there, then everyone's life would be a lot easier. I suppose those dumb kids who stayed home playing video games could take some classes if they hit 25 and realized their money making opportunities were lacking. If this is not a solution, please let me know the direction people are going with this, other than more toward a prison camp environment?

[Double Dachshunds Owner]

On the contrary. If education was not mandated, our country would be saddled with far more indigent people to feed, clothe and care for at the expense of those who are educated.

In short, we would become a poor country. Look at the third world countries and their educational standing. there is a direct correlation.

[gklb]

I think it's a good idea for the government to assure children a good education. If it didn't you would end up with a lot of children of lesser means who are brilliant never getting a chance to make it in this world. Not fair. Just because the parents didn't amount to anything doesn't mean the children should be punished. What I mean by that is why would a child, who watches parents without motivation, make the decision to actually get up and do something? That may not seem like where you were going with this question but it is what would happen. I don't see it as a "prison camp environment" as you call it. Children are not equipped to make those kinds of decisions. What child wouldn't rather sleep until noon and play games all day instead of going to school to ensure their future. Especially those whose parents are sleeping until noon and doing who knows what after that!