I am not in one of the states with compulsary education until age 18, 
but I think it would have several unexpected consequences if it were to 
be enacted. It would raise the cost of secondary education. With no one 
dropping out, schools would have to provide a free education to all 
kids. The kids who normally drop out are also the more difficult ones to 
work with, so the added load would likely be more expensive than the 
average cost per pupil.

Compulsary education would not just be compulsary for the youth. It 
would also be a responsibility of the providers, and this might change 
the way secondary schools interact with youth. I know now some school 
personnel will encourage certain kids to drop out and then be picked up 
by an alternative education program such as ABE. This would stop with 
compulsary education.
Tom Woods
Community High School of Vermont

Schneider, Jim wrote:


>A bill is currently on the floor to raise the compulsory age of school

>attendance from 16 to 18. 

>

>I agree with the idea, but have severe reservations as to the actual

>effects/consequence of this law.

>

>Can those who live in one of the 17 states with such a law comment on

>the effects of the law? 

>

>Thanks,

>

>Jim

>

> 

>

>

>Jim Schneider

>Assistant Dean

>Scott Community College 

>Career Assistance Center

>627 W. Second Street

>Davenport, IA 52801

>(563) 326-5319  phone

>(563) 326-6039  fax

>

>Do not despise the small act. 

>

>Every small act, if you do it deeply, profoundly, can touch the whole

>universe. 

>

>Millions of small acts will build a wonderful world. 

>

>Chan Khong

>----------------------------------------------------

>National Institute for Literacy

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