What's good for the 1500s is good for 2010?
At least half of the US High School students would be far better off learning a trade than wasting their time in our public schools.
Public school did just fine for me. There are vocational programs available for students who want to focus on a trade. A few of my friends in HS went to the vo-tech. It's generally geared toward those entering the workforce directly after school, whereas regular high school is in preparation for higher learning and eventual entry into more advanced disciplines.
Then again, my school was one of the best in the state, and the state (New Jersey) is among the best in the union. Hence I could understand that my HS experience is not necessarily reflective of the nation as a whole.
If you're a representative product of today's high schools then I think we've found the problem with today's electorate.