I applaud Michigan’s efforts to reduce the high school drop out rate. I agree that increasing the legal age from 16 to 18 in order for a child to drop out of school is a great first step. Since an individual is not considered to be an adult until the age of 18, they should not be allowed to make a huge decision, such as dropping out of school, until that age. A bonus to the dropout law is that they now must have parental consent in order to dropout of school prior to the age of 18. More states should follow Michigan’s lead with this decision.
On a personal note, it is not always the students that are considered to be “at-risk” who drop out of school. There are some instances when students are not placed in the proper classes to challenge their growth. For example, my brother, who was a straight “A”, sometimes “B” student dropped out of school, not because he was struggling in school but because he was bored with it. I am glad to say that he did obtain his GED (General Education Development) diploma. My mother was against his dropping out of school but because the law only required him to be 16 in order to make this decision, my mother could not make him stay in school. If the legal limit was 18, my mother would have been able to ensure that my brother remained in school until 18 (senior year).
Offering alternative routes for students to complete their high school education is a good way to ensure that more students remain in school and/or continue to work towards completing their high school education. Some students need more individualized attention than others and providing an environment where those needs may be met will keep the student engaged in the learning process. By working in a small group, students are less likely to feel intimidated by their lack of knowledge or inability to grasp certain material as fast as their classmates. An environment of this type, will also allow students time to ask more questions to ensure that they understand the material that is being presented. More states could benefit from programs of this nature.
I agree that if an individual isn’t considered an adult until they are 18, they shouldn’t be able to make such an adult decision when they are only 16. I also like the idea of parental consent. However, I have found that sometimes parents make the decision based on what is best at the time for the child. At least there are other options for returning to school, if the child wishes to after they have dropped out. I have had many talks with students of age 16 who were interested in dropping out. They thought school was a waste of time and they wanted to get a job or extend the hours they had at their current employment. Often times, they would also argue that getting a GED is quicker than actually finishing school (these were students of mine in 8th grade in Florida).
ReplyDeleteThe dropout rate needs to be decreased in Michigan, as well as other states. Students are very lazy and easily bored these days. It is hard to hold the attention of a child because of all the technology and fast-paced world they are now used to. So many dropout because of boredom and want to find the fastest way to complete their schooling they know is “required” of them to obtain a decent job. Teachers need to be trained and supplied with many different technologies to keep their interest in school! If we don’t do something else besides raise the dropout age, scores are going to drop and truancies will increase.
I had no idea that when the law was that a student could drop out of high school at age 16, that they didn’t need their parents’ permission. I can’t imagine giving sixteen year olds the right of dropping out of school because of their age. What are parents supposed to do with their drop out children? The parents are still responsible for them although they made the adult decision of dropping out of school! I am sure there are a lot of students like your brother, but unfortunately they do not have the guidance of someone like your mother to push them to get their GED.
ReplyDeleteAngela,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Michigan is taking the right step in changing the dropout age to 18 rather than 16. Could you imagine at 16 years of age believing you learned everything you needed to to become a functional member of society? I know that if I were to be out on my own at 16 I would not be at the same point of my life I am at now.
That is very interesting about your brother. That is a perfect example of how alternative education pathways can help all students graduate. Your brother sounded like a student who needed to be challenged and maybe if online advanced classes of college classes would have been available to him he would have not only stayed in school but gone far beyond what his classmates were doing at that point in time. thank you for including that personal note in your blog!