Hey, Why Don't We Do That?!

i recieved an email today from a parent. he was (understandably) concerned about his grade, but unlike most parents, there was a very specific reason for panic. they were moving to japan next month. why is this cause for panic? this is what i learned today:

apparently, the japanese high school system is very strict on entrance requirements. you can't just enter a public school, like you do here. (in fact, we are required to take any child of a particular age, regardless of background or legal status.) in japan, you have to take a test that is similar to the SAT or ACT, but that's not all. you also have to successfully complete an interview, present recommendations, and show all grades from previous schools and grades. unlike here, ALL of it counts towards your admission to a decent high school. and you want to make sure you get into a good high school, because going to a low level high school excludes entry into a japanese college or university. what it all boils down to is this: everything you do in school is important and carries a consequence.

wow, what a concept. and while i'm not opposed to public education, it would be nice for students to actually have to work hard to attain goals. (goals that are not hung on arbitrary testing scores that someone who has never been in a classroom has dreamed up.)  they do in my classroom, but not everywhere else, especially in grade and middle schools where students often get passed on even though they really shouldn't be. this way, they would start understanding from elementary school that academic choices affect you.