I see that as a shortsighted position. True, most students will never attend college and the curriculum shouldn't steer every child in that direction, only. Vocational training should be available at every public school but not at the expense of traditional education. And juvenile hall? A great way to make a child hate education while creating new little criminals.

Helping people in need is a great idea, as well. But not at the expense of a traditional education.

Just because a child doesn't want to go to school is no reason to allow a child to make that decision. There are many things a child might not "want" to do but are in no position to make choices they're not yet mature enough to make.