¶ … American economy was growing at an exponential rate with unlimited job opportunities available in almost every industry. With the stock market breaking record highs, new upstart "dot.com" companies making millions in their first year and doubling of jobs in the service sector, a bright and stable future seemed almost a guarantee for many high school students who would soon be entering the job markets. This growth, however short lived, is now in a downhill progression with the plummeting stock market, many computer companies in bankruptcy, and American companies laying people off in record numbers and downsizing nationally. Combine this recession with globalization and American high school students are now facing fierce competition nationally and internationally for jobs. The question is whether or not your average American high school graduate is scholastically prepared to compete for these sought-after jobs? Unfortunately, I don't think so and I hope to provide valid evidence that will support my thoughts. In comparing the Korean school systems with those of the Americans, I feel that the difference is clear. In America, the curriculum varies from state to state. Even more varied is that of the private schools. Some children can even attend schools that are not accredited educationally, such as Christian schools. These schools tend to have non-licensed teachers, as well as inferior supplies and equipment for the students to use. The schools tend to also divide up depending on their affiliation, and their statements of faith. One of the larger associations, the Association of Christian Schools International states that their vision states "students worldwide...

With that being said, there are also Catholic schools, more dominant in the North, along with private schools. Of course, the curriculum in public schools can vary from state to state, with some encouraging Advanced Placement Courses that can be used toward college credit as opposed to some schools who don't allow the AP courses at all.
Foreign language study does not usually begin until high school, when it is harder for children to learn these languages. Some schools offer French, German, Latin, and Spanish while some schools can't even get teachers for any foreign languages. School sizes and the number of teachers per student also vary incredibly depending on where the school is located. The opportunities for vocational programs (cosmetology, etc.) are very regional, as are the number of extra-curricular activities available. Students in America also have their summers off, and attend school for half days, once PE and lunch are factored in.

Uniforms are not just for private schools now that the issue of conflicts over clothing has arisen. The increased violence in the schools of America has reached new levels, and uniforms have been viewed as a solution. One school, in Long Beach, began mandatory uniforms in public schools in 1995 and saw "dramatic decreases in violence, and discipline problems as well as higher test scores." (Wilkins, 1)

Schools are only…