"WA8ULX" wrote in message
...
Total all classes - 672,485 (decrease of 2307)

Yep, all the Dumbing down sure helped, didnt it.

I don't know how many years ago it was when they made the Novice renewable
and allowed 200W operation. However, they also made the test more difficult,
which cut out many of the younger amateur radio candidates. My experience
has been that pre-HS students usually don't have a problem with learning
code. But the more difficult theory requirements are a problem for them. The
entry-level license should be feasible for the majority of junior high
students and precocious elementary school students to pass. Keep the
privileges restricted (CW, PSK, and a very limited phone section). If other
countries did the same thing and it was internationally coordinated, the
beginners would find DX opportunities in their band segments and that would
add to the attraction. By the time kids hit high school, there minds are on
a lot more that radio; the recruiting needs to start early, and a simple
test with a restrictive license is the answer. It was once that way and it
seemed to work.

ak