* Cost: Extending compulsory education to a longer period significantly increases the financial burden on governments and families. This includes expenses related to infrastructure (schools, classrooms, equipment), teacher salaries, and other educational resources. This can lead to cuts in other areas of public spending.
* Over-extension of compulsory education: Some argue that forcing children to remain in a formal schooling environment for such an extended period can be detrimental. It might lead to burnout, disengagement, and a lack of motivation in students who may be ready to enter the workforce or pursue alternative learning paths. This can particularly impact students not academically inclined towards traditional schooling.
* Inefficiency and lack of personalization: A longer system doesn't automatically guarantee better education. A rigid k+12 structure might not cater to diverse learning styles and paces, potentially leaving some students behind or others unchallenged. Personalized learning approaches might be harder to implement in a larger, more standardized system.
* Delayed entry into the workforce: A longer period of education means individuals enter the workforce later, potentially affecting their career progression and earning potential, especially if the additional years don't provide directly applicable skills.
* Standardization and lack of flexibility: A national k+12 system might lead to less flexibility in curriculum and pedagogical approaches. This could hinder adaptation to regional or local needs and limit the opportunities for innovation in teaching methods.
* Potential for increased inequality: While aiming for greater equity, a longer system might inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities if the quality of education is not consistently high across all regions and socioeconomic groups. Resource disparities could mean students in under-resourced areas don't benefit as much from the extra years.
* Curriculum bloat: Adding more years doesn't automatically mean more effective learning. The curriculum might become overloaded with unnecessary content, leading to superficial understanding rather than in-depth knowledge and critical thinking skills.
It's important to note that these are potential disadvantages. Whether or not a k+12 system is beneficial depends on its specific design, implementation, and the context in which it operates. A well-designed and well-funded k+12 system could potentially offer significant advantages, such as a more skilled workforce and increased social mobility. However, careful planning and ongoing evaluation are crucial to mitigate the potential downsides.