<p>I don’t think diversity of education is always a good thing. In some states they don’t teach evolution. In some states they don’t learn geography. Why do New York students get the benefit of learning something that Kansas students don’t get to learn? Why is it 1 out of 5 Americans can’t locate the USA on a map? It’s great the USA is a diverse country, but I think education should be more standardized. Forget USA vs Finland, look at the gaps in American education amongst the states. Students living in certain states get advantages others don’t even have, it all comes down to funding. </p>
<p>As far as blue collar work, in NY State we have a program where at 16, you can leave traditional schooling and learn a trade like carpentry, plumbing, etc. These are pretty important jobs and I’m guessing students in other states have similar programs.</p>