The N.C. Center for Public Policy Research says a proposal to raise the compulsory school age to 18 is worth a look.
In a preview of a report it will release later this month, the Raleigh think tank argues that several programs could help reduce the high school dropout rate:
* Continue expanding efforts to count dropouts and determine their reasons for leaving school.
* Study the effects of raising the school age to 18.
* Consider adding more "real-world" skills and internships to school curricula.
* Require the state Department of Public Instruction to study dropout prevention programs.
* Require each school system to develop a dropout prevention plan.
The 65-page study will not be published until later this month, but the center provided legislators with an advance copy today.
Comments
Re: Stopping dropouts
May 8, 2007 - 8:48pm — lefaimThe John Locke Foundation is now doing research? Wont Art Pope take away your funding if you start using actual numbers?
Re: Stopping dropouts
May 8, 2007 - 7:00pm — stoopsLater this month, the John Locke Foundation will release a report that specifically addresses the proposal to raise the compulsory school age. Research does not support the claim that raising the attendance age would increase graduation rates or decrease dropout rates.
One has to question the unusual arguments made by proponents of the measure. Today, Representative Bryant said, "...we really don’t know if it will increase the graduation rate, but we cannot increase the graduation rate if the kids aren’t there." Hmmm.