Obligatory High School Attendance - Essay Example

By the time many students reach high school they have learned the basics in most subjects. Some still have much to gain from the courses that high schools offer, but others might be better off spending the next four years in other ways. For their benefit, high school attendance should be voluntary. However, I differ from the notion that it should be voluntary. This is due to the fact that irrespective of whether a student decides to get into the workforce or even advance academically, high school education makes sure that they are adequately ready for success in adulthood (U.S. Department of Education, 2010)  It is also worth noting that, high school education prepares an individual for college enrollment or completion of a training program, or even enter the workforce at any level where one is required to think critically, solve various problems, learn new skills and even be in line with any promotion that may come one's way (John et al, 2006)  This being the case, opting to have something else other than High School leaves an individual without the capability to make a decision about their career paths until later in their lives after they mature.

This, therefore, means that high school enrollment should not be an option at all Having spent four years in High School, an individual is exposed to many issues that are concerned with personal maturation and development in academic preparation.  This, in the long run, will mean that the individual has a great purpose for his/her life and understanding of who they are (Editorial Projects in Education, 2007). This being the case, they can make career choices after completion of their education, an aspect that those who never had it miss.

It is worth noting that one can learn very many experiences from life and even jobs even without having attended High School. However, only high School education gives the capability to a person to choose what one wants to do. Therefore it should be mandatory so as to equip individuals with the skills needed to make decisions required for the choices in life. It has been noted that High School is a fundamental base on which life is built (National Research Council, 2004).