What should be the goal of US schools?

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I'm wondering whether we all agree on what our school systems should do.
Or maybe someone will break out the virtual firearms.

What I see mostly is people taking some political position (No public schools vs public shools OK vs vouchers, etc.), but we haven't really discussed what a school system should do.
Should it maximize standardized test scores, so the US won't look a bad as fur'n'ers' scores?
Should it maximize the potential of each student, knowing that some might be "left behind" in others' dust?
Should it attempt to create equally intelligent children by the end of 12th Grade?

It's possible that some of us assume different goal and thus advocate for a type of school system that serves that goal.

So, what say you?

[SamTheEagle]

The second option is closest to my personal view.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Originally Posted by SamTheEagle

The second option is closest to my personal view.

That's probably closest to mine as well, but do note that it's best achieved with individualized study programs based on each individual and his/her potential. If we don't need "the best achieved" method, then some compromises will have to be, um, compromised.
Of course, relegating the unteachable to the coal mines or farms would certainly cut down the costs of such a program.

[Dr. John Zoidberg]

Group the kids by ability, shifting kids into worse/better groups as they show promise throughout the years. Stop spending so much money on the retarded and get them into McDonald's University. Spend the most money on the smartest kids.

[foghorn]

Originally Posted by SamTheEagle

The second option is closest to my personal view.

Ditto.

[Eimon Gnome]

I'd phrase it more along the lines of: creating an enlightened citizenry.

I reject the idea of equality of outcome, and embrace the concept of equality of opportunity.

Out of curiosity, do you think that a college degree should be a benchmark for enjoying a stable, middle class lifestyle?

[MattTheSkywalker]

Remove the government entirely. Repudiate the idea of a school "system" in favor of a free market of solutions designed to meet the demand of parents.

[Eimon Gnome]

Originally Posted by MattTheSkywalker

Remove the government entirely. Repudiate the idea of a school "system" in favor of a free market of solutions designed to meet the demand of parents.

Optional schooling. Better plan on increasing the law enforcement budgets. Gonna be a whole lot of shakin' goin' on.

[Ailing Factuary]

protect our borders
collect property taxes
force god upon the children

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Originally Posted by MattTheSkywalker

Remove the government entirely. Repudiate the idea of a school "system" in favor of a free market of solutions designed to meet the demand of parents.

Thank you for asking answering questions not posed. You already bullied that other thread to oblivion. Try to play as nice as the market here will bear. Thank you.

I'll put you down as, "The goal of the 'school' is whatever the parents want." Got it.