Why do American students put less effort into school than those in almost any other industrialized country? The answer, suggests labor economist John Owen, is a startlingly simple matter of economic incentives. For most students, he contends, studying hard is literally not worth the trouble.

Owen explains that for high school graduates without a college diploma or specialized skills, getting a good job depends largely on how well they do in the employment interview--not on how well they did in school. Even for the college-bound, incentives are limited, as many colleges accept students based on their ability to pay rather than their academic standings.

Owen's proposals include:

• Encouraging employers to use high school grades, disciplinary records, and other credentials to rank applicants for good jobs

• Independent examinations at the national or regional level -- also made available to employers -- that measure academic and other achievements

• An Americanized version of the European apprenticeship system to ease the transition from school to work

• Allowing greater freedom of choice of students among schools, and schools among students

Why Kids Don't Study offers new solutions to an old problem. As the role of an educated work force in fostering American productivity and international competitiveness continues to occupy the nation's attention, the findings and proposals in John Owen's book are sure to spark discussion and debate.