Would raising the dropout age to 18 do any good?
Ruma's article yesterday talked about proposed legislation to raise the minimum dropout age in Maryland from 16 to 18. A statewide task force has recommended raising the age for compulsory attendance in public schools. It was depressing to read that efforts to do so have stalled in the past because of the projected cost of having more students in school for an extra two years. In the current budget climate, the legislation may not do any better this year.
I don't think anyone would argue in favor of students dropping out of school at 16. But my question to those of you in the trenches is, would raising the compulsory attendance age have a real effect? Or are students who drop out going to do so regardless of whether or not they're in violation of the law? Clearly, any kid at risk of dropping out is going to need a lot of interventions. But is it common for students to drop out when they turn 16 just because they can?
Many other states have decided that it's worth requiring students to be in school until 18. Check out this list of the attendance policies around the nation.
Categories: Around the Nation, Around the Region
Comments
As a local high school teacher, I can speak to this. This is my third year teaching high school and, frankly when I came to teach high school from middle school, I was surprised at the number of students who drop out when they turn 16.
After meeting some of the parents, I do not question why this happens. Not a single parent I have met (notice I did not say "all parents") who has a child that drops out at the age of 16 or 17, had a positive outlook on education. I have actually had a parent say to me, "Well, its only _____ , no wonder they are bored in class."
This is upsetting on so many levels, but it was no surprise to me when their daughter withdrew a few months later.
The fault does not solely rest upon the parents, as many students who have unsupportive parents come out ahead eventually- much of the fault lies with NCLB (No Child Left Behind). The standardized testing is changing curriculum across the country. All students are being taught and tested (and tested again and tested again) as if they are going to go to college. America, (the harsh reality) does not need 100% college graduates. America, needs get a grip on these unfunded mandates which literally push students out of school because they simply cannot pass a test (for myriad reasons).
Raising the drop out age to 18 would deter many students from dropping out, but fails to recognize the real issues at hand; parental support and involvement as well as ludicrous laws and outrageous amounts of testing.
Posted by: Jamie | February 15, 2008 4:25 PM