Massachusetts considers raising drop out age
by Lucas Willard
WANC 90.3
February 1, 2012
PITTSFIELD, MA (WAMC) - The idea of raising the dropout age has been kicking around Beacon hill for the past few years, yet no legislation on the issue has been voted on. Governor Deval Patrick has expressed for only allowing high-schoolers to dropout at 18, rather than 16.
According to a study completed last March by the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy, Massachusetts' 2009-2010 average high school dropout rate sits at 2.9%. That's the lowest in the past decade, and far below the nation's 2009 8.1% dropout rate.
But just raising the age won't be effective on its own, says Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville
Secretary Reville stated that students drop out for a number of reasons, including a disinterest with the program and disconnect with teachers. Reville said that students may also require re-introduction programs for those who already dropped out.
State Representative Alice Hanlon Peisch who co-chairs the Joint Committee on Education said that three main issues need to be addressed in any effective legislation.
Peisch said that the dropout age currently set at 16 was once necessary in the past when Massachusetts had a different economy.
Peisch added that some ideas being considered by the legislature only call for an age-increase. However, she echoes Secretary Reville's opinion that more is needed.
Peisch is also in support of the Governor's Gateway Cities Education Initiative in his proposed 2013 budget, which would give an additional 10 million dollars to schools to address the so-called "achievement gap" between students. The agenda would focus on reforms to enhance early education programs, as well as connecting high schools with more specialized job training and community colleges.
The President's call to the states to raise the dropout age has renewed debate in the issue across the country.