Kind of funny you bring up the school system. Was talking to my daughter today about Regents exams. My granddaughter taking Earth Science this year. NY is revamping Regents requirements. Less, not more. Remember the old days? A regents every year in every major subject? People actually failed? Nope. New standards: four, overall. Here's a link to the "New Generation".
I miss those hot dogs too... can't eat them anymore :)