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What should the high school dropout age be?

There are lots of reasons why one of your classmates might drop out of high school.

They might be bored or lazy, sure. But they might also have more serious issues such as drug or alcohol problems, or pregnancy. They might want to work full time and help out their family financially.

But many states are trying to find ways to keep students in school. According to a report in the Boston Globe, a half-dozen states in the past ten years have passed laws raising the dropout age, including New Mexico and Connecticut. In addition, a dozen others have considered such laws. Four years ago, New Hampshire raised its legal dropout age from 16 to 18. During the 2008-09 school year, the state’s dropout rate was 1.7 percent. When the change took effect during the 2009-10 school year, the rate dropped to under a percent.

Massachusetts is hoping to replicate this success; it still lets students drop out as soon as they’re old enough to drive.

“I think we should stop letting young adults walk away at age 16,’’ State Rep. Martha Walz of Boston told the Globe. “Few, if any, 16-year-olds have the wisdom and knowledge to understand the lifelong consequences of ending their high school education at 16.’’

The dropout rate in Massachusetts has held steady at just around 3 percent since 2000, and lawmakers are eager to bring it down. But it’s not as easy as raising the age. In New Hampshire, the state legislature had to set aside money to pay for alternative programs at night, after school and online, to lend a hand to at-risk students on the verge of dropping out. This can go as far as developing individual education programs for those students.

Critics have said without these additions, raising the dropout age would fail. There’s even a movement in New Hampshire to repeal its dropout age change. Last month, the New Hampshire House passed a bill that would allow students 16 or over to withdraw from school – it is now awaiting a vote in the Senate.

What do you think?

What should the high school dropout age be? Do you think students should be able to withdraw from school at 16? Do you think a law raising the age would reduce dropout rates? What kinds of programs should be in place to make the law effective? Are those programs worth the cost? Join the discussion!

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Comments

5/11/2012
Porterville/CA

Andres
Mr.Smith/Monache
I agree with having the dropout age to be at 18. Most 16 year olds don’t really have an good idea on how life is when you aren’t in school. They tend to think that you get to be free when you are not at school. I think that raising the age would help prevent students from dropping out since when they get closer to the age of 18 the get a better idea that life is not so easy as they thought. I do think that having afterschool programs to help the students who are failing are worth the cost since they start to feel that people are trying to help them get through.

5/10/2012
Porterville/ CA

Minerva
Smith/Monache
There should be an age limit for a student that has an unreasonable excuse. For example, if a student just doesn’t want to go to school there should be an age limit, but if a female student would happen to get pregnant, it would be obvious that she wouldn’t be able to handle the pressures of her education and her baby. There should be an age limit for the kids that don’t have the drive to be in school.

5/3/2012
ofallon ill

lanae
Ofallon Township
i think that it wouldn't be smart to drop out of school but, they should leave it the way it is because people will continue to do what they want and if they feel like they can handle what the world has in store for them let them. some people need to learn the hard way. and what about those people that have medical issues and need to be out of school because they have a problem. we never look at the little details we just look at the big picture.

4/10/2012
Broken arrow, Oklahoma

Audrey
Broken arrow senior high
Personaly I think the age should be 16. Me for example I'm dropping out due to serious anxiety issues that have made it almost impossible to attend school. I'm getting professional help. The school system can be extremely stressful and if a student feels they want to drop out for their own reasons then I say let them. We should have a choice in what we do with our lives. It's not because we are lazy ( well most of us aren't) but because of more personal reasoning. We should be held accountable though if we do not succeed in life. If we are responsible enough to make this choice then we are responsible enough to be help accountable for our life.

4/5/2012
delavan/wisconsin

jakob
mr. bousman/phoinex middle school
school is not something we all need and should be able to leave school when ever we want

4/1/2012
Missouri

Brittany
Centralia
I think the age should be 16. They are old enough to know what they are getting there self into. It also may not be just lazy or bored, it might be a serious reason that they or anymore can help. so trying to raise the drop out age is like saying you dont have the freedom that you need or want.

3/13/2012
Meridian, Idaho

Breana
Meridian
Children should choose what they want in life, they have to make their own desisions!!!

3/13/2012
Cahokia/Ill.

Jermeisha
Mrs. Douglas/Esac
I think that they wiil not be able to help their children with their homework when they drop out of school.

3/3/2012
Sikeston, Missouri

Breanna
Sikeston
I agree with Kristy one billion percent! It is our lives, so, it should be our choices that we get to make. It makes me angry that at 16 you can have a job and drive a car and everything, but we can't choose to drop out of school. I'm so sick of teens and kids being ruled over, we aren't free at all, really, I mean we sort of are, but not really. We don't get a say in anything, and I think it is totally unfair. Just about anything that gets passed that affects us is pased without us putting any input in on it, which isn't right because if it is going to affect us then we should get to vote on it or choose what will happen.

3/1/2012
Land O' Lakes, FL

Caleb
Mr. Rulison
I think the age should remain at 16. With a plethora of issues plaguing many students across the country, some of them are only pressured more by being at school. Facing issues like financial trouble or teen pregnancy is only made more difficult by schoolwork and homework. When students do encounter issues like the ones I listed, staying on top of projects and homework is a lot more difficult than it should be. Don't forget the students who don't plan on going to college. Why waste the time of teachers and motivated students by being there if they don't desire an education? At 16 you can get a job and drive, which are the basic components of anyone living in today's world. You can get a GED or go back to school if they do decide they want it, so why keep them in a classroom that they have no desire to be in?

2/17/2012
cicero ny

kelly
cicero north syracuse
I think students should be able to drop out very early, as young as 12-14. Schools waste an enormous amount of money and time on students who don't want to learn, taking away from those who do. If immature students could drop out, they'd either find they enjoy doing menial labor their whole life, or they'd realize they need an education and return to school. Either way, schools wouldn't have to keep wasting resources on kids who don't want to learn.

2/16/2012
newton mississippi

kristy
mrs.price
students should be able to drop out when ever its their life and their decsion

2/9/2012
illinois

sofbalgirl
illinois
There shoud be NO drop out age.

2/1/2012
Porterville California

John
Mr. Smith of Monache High
The year of 15 should be the age to have the option to dropout because in the case that financial problems effect the student, dropping out to help get stable would be acceptable. As for lazy, immature citizens who waste thier lives having the problems should not waste the time of teachers or anybody surrounding them.

1/24/2012
Eden North Carolina

Rebecca
Morehead High School
I think it should be 16 because if a teens wants to drop they will. And its not always because of drugs nor pregancy it could something sinpley as they are falling and cant catch up or being bully.

1/24/2012
mesquite,texas

Job Jose
ms.wilson/wilkinson middle school
students shouldn't drop out of school

1/12/2012
bettendorf

zach
bhs
i think it should be 16 because some ppl dont plan on going to college or get held back multiple times and just dont want to stay there for 2 extra years so what would be the point of going to school till your 17-18

12/8/2011
Spencer/Iowa

Aleena Lawson
Mrs. Merchant/Spencer High School
I say the high school drop out age should be 18. There are a lot of dropouts that regret their decision and/or go back to school at a later time.

12/4/2011
Montgomery/TX

Shelbi E.
Metzger/Montgomery High School
Honestly I think it should be at most the age of 16. At that age you can get a job and drive and you can already make some decisions on your own. If a student doesn't have any intentions on going anywhere in life, why make them. They are just going to make the teachers job harder by fighting them to work and there going to disrupt other students who actually are wanting to learn. So in my opinion, if a student wants to drop out and have wasted all those years in school let them. It' there life not the governments.

12/4/2011
Montgomery/TX

11/22/2011
Peoria, AZ

Kristine
Kellis
I completly agree. if your 16 your not old enough to make your own decissions so why should you be able to drop out of school. It foolish, your not going any where by dropping out. So with all do respect i feel it should be 18 in every state and if its completly reasonable for you to drop out like having a kid maybe you should but always think about re-entering school or getting your GED there are many options in education now day and we shouldn't abuse the

11/22/2011
flnt michigan

shatonia
mrs burhard
why should a student drop out and what if a student want to get an job

11/21/2011
Rudyard, MT

Shelby L.
Mrs. Campbell
The goal Obama had was to reduce the number of high school drop outs but he left the age limit at 16. Maybe there shouldn’t be a drop out age at all. Kids that are planning on or want to drop out of school are waiting for the day they turn 16 and nobody can stop them because that’s the minimum age. If there wasn’t an age maybe kids wouldn’t have an age or specific date that they are waiting for to drop out at. If we wanted to put an age saying when kids are allowed to drop out it should be 18. That’s when we are legally adults and we can control our own lives if we choose to anyway. Also I think that the number of drop outs would decrease because the average student turns 18 somewhere in the middle of their senior year. Making them more likely to stay and receive their diploma. Whereas a 16 year old still has 2 to 3 years left and at this point in our lives feels like an eternity.

11/3/2011
Rudyard, MT

Brandi C
Mrs. Campbell/North Star
One of President Obama's number one priorities when he became President was No Child Left Behind. But yet there is a dropout age at 16. If Teachers and the Government are trying so hard to have no child left behind, then why is there a dropout age at all? Most students that are 16 don’t want to be in school anyways, when they are given a choice to either stay in or quit, most of those students without the strive to succeed are going to quit. At 16 your still naïve, that’s why at the drinking age is 21. By that time you are old enough to make better decisions. Having a drop out age isn’t helping students succeed any, it’s basically saying, if you don’t want to be here, were not making you so you can leave and not have a future. Without a high school diploma you can’t get a very good job, if any job at all.

11/1/2011
Watertown, Ma

Lauren
Mr. Rimas
I think that the dropout age for school should be 18 because you are considered an adult. At 18 you are old enough to make your own decisions and if you do want to drop out of school you should be mature enough to do so and have a good reason too. Younger kids would just want to drop out because they don't like school. At 18 you can make your own decisions and if you choose to drop out that's your own decision.

10/26/2011
watertown ma

jonathan
Rimas watertown highschool
Should Be any age. Alot people don't give crap of high school. So They make the teacher mad. Beside they are ruining kid's education, if the kid's can't learn. And if they dropout, They can just get there GED.

10/26/2011
MA

Uroosa
Mrs Rimas
I think the dropout age should be 17 because you are more mature at that age. A person would dropout school because of his/her laziness, and the person isn't interested in education. So it doesn't make a difference if the person stays or drops out because the person is not going to study.

10/19/2011
Sidney/Montana

Faith A
Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I think that if a student is actually going to do something with their life, they won't drop out. If high school is just a waste of time for somebody because they aren't going to use their diploma for anything to benefit them then they should be able to drop out at age 16. If they are stupid enough to drop out of school, then let them.

10/19/2011
Sidney, Montana

Jory
Mr. Faulhaber Sidney High School
I think the dropout age should be raised to 18. At 18 a person is now considered an adult and then they could make their own decisions. It would reduce the dropout rate and would improve society

10/19/2011
Sidney Montana

Sami
Miss Fontan
I think the age to drop out should be raised to 17 because, then the student would be at the age where he could decided to either go all the way, or give up half way to the finish line.

10/19/2011
Sidney, Montana

Abbey Ries
Ms. Fontana
I think that the drop out age should be raised to 18 because then maybe less students will drop out when they become close to graduating from high school. I have never liked the idea of the drop out age being at 16 because they can't get many jobs since a lot of jobs require you to be 18 to operate equipement.

10/19/2011
Sidney MT

Stephanie
Ms.Fontana/Sidney High School
I think that the high school dropout age should be 18 and not 16, because when your 18 your legally an adult and its your choosie to dropout or stay in school and has a 16 your not responsible not all and if 16 year-old drops out they are going to miss out on lots of things and do high school stuff. I still think that the drop out should be 18.

10/19/2011
sidney mt

vern
miss. fontana
i think it should be 17 or 18

10/19/2011
sidney Montana

Taylor
Miss Fontana/ Sidney High School
I think the high school drop out age should be 18 because thats when your an adult and if your younger than 18 you may not make the best decisions at that time. They may think their soing the right thing at the time byt in the future their going to regret it. Even with a GED their not going to get the best jobs. So 18 is a good age if they want to drop out.

10/19/2011
Sidney, MT

Cile G
Ms. Fontana
nobody should drop out because school is easy

10/16/2011
Filipians, Montana

Roderick
Mr. Bloomburg/ PCHS
I think that the dropout age should be 16 because at whatever age, they already know what the consequences are. Like stated in the article some students dropout because of irresponsibility and others because of a necessity. This generation, along with others, young people are very determined, so whether you call it dropping out of not, at 16 or at whatever age they want, they will leave. Being a teenager, I know that if you can't have something, you will cross all of the lines to get it. Using that as an example, if the dropout age is 18, it makes a 16 of 17-year old that much more anxious to dropout. Yes, the idea of dropping out is appealing to several high school students, and like I said before, they already know the consequences that path will lead them into. I think that 16 is a reasonable age for a dropout because, in a sense, they still have 2 years before they are legally adults, and they can further and completely pursue their high school education during that time or even after, if they choose to do so.

10/7/2011
Sidney/Mt

Levi Boyce
Mr.Faulhaber
I think it should be 18 because they are old enough to do anything.

10/7/2011
Sidney, MT

Tyler
Mr. Faulhaber
I think that the drop out age should be 18, because once 18 you are legally an adult and I feel that until then you're under the responsiblity of the law, which should be 18...Maybe if it was 18 instead of what it is now, more kids would just finish school seeing as half the seniors turn 18 in the middle or closer to the end of the school year...I don't think before 18, and sometimes even 18 year olds, don't comprehend the consequenses of life changing decisions, and dropping out is a big one. If it was my way, I would make it mandatory to graduate. This GED stuff is just an excuse for being one word: LAZY.

10/7/2011
Sidney, Montana

Tegan
Mrs. Fontana
I think the drop out age should be 18 because thats when we are legally concidered an adult. Think about it, not very many kids actually have a job that they actually have to work at. none of them make enough money to be on there own. You have to be 18 and have at least a GED to work the rigs. So whats the point of dropping out any earlier. No one wants to higher a high school drop out because who knows how long they will actually stay to working at one place. So i guess i just fell its dumb to drop out before that because i dont feel the kids are ready for the real world and actually have to work.

10/7/2011
Sidney, Montana

Tanner
Ms. Fontana
I beleive the dropout age should be 18. I beleive this because everyone needs education, and if the dropout age was 16, than you barely would have any experience at the high school level.

10/7/2011
Sidney, MT

Marcus
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I think the dropout age should be 18. When a student turns 18, they are considered an adult. If someone wants to dropout at 16, I doubt they have enough money to pay for anything, unless they have been working for a few years and knew they were going to dropout. A law that reduces the dropout rate would better students in education, and probably help then later in life with a couple more years of school. There could be some programs to help the kids in need of it, but if a student wants to drop out, I don't think they would necessarily want to go to these programs. They may not be worth it. If the drop out age was required to be 18, I think a lot less people would make dumb mistakes.

9/23/2011
Phoenixville. PA

Alex
Lynch Renaissance Academy
At 16, many feel they are old enough to make serious life decissions for themselves. This being said, education is invaluable for anyone's future. 16 is a fair age for a student to drop out of their education career. This education can always be started again. Many programs now exist aiding adults who gave up on their educational career.

9/23/2011
Norristown, Pa

Michael
Renaissance Academy
Honestly, i believe there should be no drop out rate in highschools. it should be manditory for all highschoolers to attend highschool without exepection to age. i believe that regardless of personal problems like tenage pregency and drug use are of the fault of the highschooler and it is their conesquence to coutiune highschool to try and become sucessful so that they may be an asset to life rather that a "leech" to the commonwelth of society.

9/14/2011
Beeville ,Texas

Joseph
A.C Jones
I think the age of dropout shuold be 18 becaues you are a grown-up

9/14/2011
Beeville, Texas

A.Z.
A.C Jones
I think the age to dropout is 17. I dont think kids who are 16 should withdraw from school, I think raising the age would help reduce people from dropping out, and giving them more time to think what they really want. Night school for highschoolers would be helpful to kids that work, and also programs to get them to graduate faster.

9/13/2011
Rangely,CO

kiki
rangelyhighschool
i think it shoold be the age of 18

9/12/2011
indiana

brett
brown county high school
i believe that there should not be a drop out age because if there is a kid that wants to drop out then if they cant because they are not 18 than they are quite simply not going to do anything, and in turn make the school look bad and then the facts and statistics on that particular school are going to be altered because there are so many kids failing all their classes because they cant drop out. and it will make the pass rate go down in turn

6/11/2011
OR

Cindy
RPA
I honestly disagree with putting an age on droping out of high school. I am a senior and have a fantastic school NOW, but last year I was ready to drop out! I think that all young adults should consider the decision of dropping out wisely, and I completely agree that student should graduate. I am very glad to be graduating and I am proud to say that I could finish this journey, butyou have to understand that some of the school systems are very messed up, and until you can guaaraantee that all of those students are in a good, emotionally and physically safe educational enviroment I will not support keeping them trapped there! In my old school I was not in an emotionally safe enviroment and felt like I was going to prison when I went to school!

6/1/2011
kenosha

david
hardy
my freind drop out because it waz to much home work for him

5/24/2011
Montgomery/Texas

LeighAnne Coleman
Metzger/Montgomery Highschool
Honestly, coming from an A++++ student all the way until she reached high school and decided to slack off a little and do just what was required out of her, I think the legal dropout age should be raised. I am not 18 years old and personally feel that I have learned SO much over my four years of high school. Although I do not regret any choices I have ever made because they help make the stronger person I am today, I do feel as though I have matured SO much over this time and can honestly say I can look back at these four years and literally see the maturity I have gained. At 15/16 years old, I made MANY of choices I would have rethought now that I am 18. I feel as though I may still have much more life to live and more experiences to learn from, but choices such as dropping out of high school (that could affect my WHOLE future) should not be decided upon such a young age in life and think the more young adults we can help see this, the better and happier people may be later down the road.

5/23/2011
philadelphia,pa

kelly
mr. frank / northeast
In my opinion their should be no high school dropout age. The law says that the age you have to be is 16 , but to me when your 16 you cant really make that decision for yourself . kids look at school in a bad way like they don't want to get up or the homeworks much but there not seeing the big picture . the kids that drop out dont see that if u dropout then you can get a high paying job or cant take care of them self and ect. I think if a student drops out then there should be a good enough reason for it otherwise they should stay in school and try to make the best out of it .

5/23/2011
Philadelphia,PA

Roderah
Mr.Frank/Northeast High School
I personally disagree with this topic.I don't think there should be a dropout age. Everyone should finish high school and want to farther themselevs in school. I think having a high school diploma is a great accomplishment. But having a diploma isn't good enough to be successful in life. You should father your education when u finish high school to live life successfully. If you don't graduate from high school you will face hard times in life. I don't think students should be able to dropout at the age of 16. When your 16 your still finding your idetiy you need that guidance from teachers to help direct you in the right direction.I think a law raising law really wouldn't matter. I think programs such as PAL should be every where to keep student off the streets and focus on school. This program is worth the cost.

5/21/2011
Philadelphia, PA

Sana
Mr. Frank/ Northeast High School
In my opinion their should be no high school dropout age. No I don't think that students should be able to withdraw from school at the age of 16. If a law was made which would reduce the dropout rates then yes the age should be raised. Programs which would make the students stay in school and try to make an attempt to pass, those kinds of programs should be in place. They may or may not be effective. Most likely they will not be effective because if the students themselves do not want to pass then no program will help them pass. Some students will make them worth the cost and some just will make all that money put into them go to drain.

5/21/2011
Philadelphia/ Pennsylvania

David
Mr. Frank/ Northeast Hgh School
I believe the high school dropout age should be 18. I believe it should be 18 because that's the age when you become an adult and you are responsible for yourself. I think students shouldn't be able to dropout of high school at 16 because most of the teenagers who do that aren't really sure about how it will affect their lives in the future. I think they should apply the law in every state and make it work. They should make parents responsible and if students do not want go to school there should be harder consequences to parents. This way students won't dropout. In my opinion high school dropouts are caused by students not having support from their parents. Students, in most of the cases, are forced to make a decision whether to work or go to school, because they feel like they can't do both things at the same time. So I think the government should set the age of 18 for dropouts but also support students whose families can't give them what they need, so they won't have to dropout of high school.

5/20/2011
Philadelphia, PA

Amber T.
Mr. Frank/ Northeast High School
I think that the high school dropout age should be 18 years old. It should be 18 years old because at least that is an age where students are more aware of the decision that they are making. When someone is 16 years old and only around a year removed of middle school, they don't understand the consequences that dropping out will have on the rest of their lives. In today's world, even people with college degrees are having trouble finding jobs. That means that these 16 year old dropouts will be in an almost impossible situation when it comes to finding a job. They will be messing up their lives before it even begins. That's why i think that if someone absololutely has to drop out of high school, the legal age should be 18.

5/19/2011
Philadelphia/PA

Erlind M.
Mr. Frank
In my opinion the high school dropout age should be 18 years old. Students that are 18 years old are more mature, and so they are more careful in making decisions. I don’t think that 16 year old students should be able to dropout school. I don't think so because most of 16 year olds are not that mature in making the right decisions, especially today when the level of maturity has decreased compared to the past. So I think that a law raising the age would help on reducing the dropout rates. Programs that make the law effective should be similar to Massachusetts program. Such programs are worth the cost only in states that have a higher rate in dropout. As for the states that have a lower rate in dropout, should be used more limited programs such as, online education, or opening night classes.

5/19/2011
Montgomery, TX

Sherri Quach
Metzger/ Montgomery High School
In my opinion, I believe that students should not have a choice to drop out or not. These students have worked and come too far to stop at 16. Giving students the opportunity to drop out at the age of 16, gives those with weak mind sets that they are able to slack, since they know they will be able to give up once their 16 birthday comes along. Also, raising the age of eligibility will have little to no effect, they could easily not show up in school. Authorities should demand students to go to school, keep them motivated, and keep pushing them until the end. Because students that are lethargic and are already on the path to dropping out will not change their mind. Every student has their struggles and strengths, but to realize their full potential, educations is a major key factor.

5/19/2011
Philadelphia P.A

Kevin
S.
In my opinion i think that the dropout rate should be 16. At that teens make their own decision anyways so why cant they make a big one (with parent permission of course). Ultimately it is the students decision to do what they want because imagine if a student weren't aloud to drop out but they wanted to, what would be their attitude towards school? I am not saying it is a smart decision but it is the students decision to make this choice or not. There may be people to influence a person's opinion but in the end using insight will only solve this problem and come out with a verdict. I have personal experience with this issue because i lost interest in school but the people around me kept my motor running.

5/19/2011
Montgomery, TX

Kelsey K
Metzger/Montgomery High School
I believe the drop out age should be 16 because, if your old enough to drive and willing to take the risk of having sex, then you should also be able to drop out. Do I agree with dropping out? No but, people are going to do it anyway. Before dropping out, there should me some sort of dropping out counseling to make sure this is really what the student want to do.

5/18/2011
Montgomery, TX

Victoria Jarwin
Metzger/Montgomery High School
I believe that there should be not be an age for students to drop out of high school. They should be forced to go everyday. If school really isn't the thing for them, then when they graduate they can just not go to college. I'm sure there are masny adults out there that have done a lot of growing up and maturing since they've dropped out of high school, and look back now and really wish there was somebody there to push them. And to tell them that its only four more years. Push through it and it will be worth it in the end.

5/17/2011
Philadelphia,PA

Eda
Mr.Frank
I don't believe there should be a high school drop out age.Everyone should at least complete high school because at that age you are graduating 17-18 years old.You are going from an adolescent to an adult.You still don't know what you want yet.Within time,the person can choose wither or not they want to further on their education.Getting a job without a high school diploma is very hard.Even if you don't further onto to school,at least you will be getting paid minimum way wage and providing for your family and yourself. Young people who dropped out of school almost universally express great remorse for having left high school.According to a statistic ,"; high school dropouts were over three times more likely than college graduates to be unemployed. They are twice as likely as high school graduates to slip into poverty from one year to the next.They should just deal with it and get a diploma.

5/13/2011
Phila/Pa

Dashawn
Mr.Frank/Northeast High
I don't think there should be an age for teens to dropout, because I don't believe they should be allowed to dropout. Students are required to attend school until they graduate from high school, after that they are on their own. I understand things or problems may come up and get it in the way but that it still no excuse. Their should be programs to help teens when they come into these bumps in the road. I watch teen shows all the time, and they always say that they wished they finished school because things would be a lot easier for them.

5/13/2011
Phila/PA

Cierra
Ms.Agnew/Overbrook High School
I Agree With This Argument. Any High School Student Is Responsible For What They Do With Their Education. But At A Certain Age You Become Old Enough To Know The Consequences. If You're Old Enough To Drop Out, Then You're Old Enough To Take Care Of Yourself.

5/6/2011
Philadelphia/PA

Antoine
Ms.Agnew /Overbrook High School
Honestly, I don't think there should be a dropout age. I think everyone should complete at least high school. No matter how much you say you don't like school or how stressful it is, you have to look at the bigger picture. Without a high school diploma it's really hard to find work. If you're not going to complete high-school and go on to college, at least finish out your high school years so you can find employment. You may not be a lawyer or a doctor, but at least you can pay bills and provide for yourself. So me personally, I don't think there should even be a set age where it's cool to dropout of school.

5/5/2011
Onalaska. Texas

Taelynn
Ms. Foster
I don't think they should keep the age at 16. Because it'll effect their future, which could effect our economy. 18 would be best because they're a legal adult so they should choose their own decisions and pray that they make the right choice. Plus you have a higher chances of getting a decent job and having a family without many money problems.

5/4/2011
Sidney, MT

Tim
Mr. Faulhaber
I think the drop out age is fine where is.

5/3/2011
marietta ga

Taylor wilson
jj daniell middle
i think the drop out age should be 18 because you will be more succesfull in life for ex you will have a higher chance of getting hired at a job because you have an education

5/3/2011
marietta ga

4/30/2011
Phila Pa

Amanda Vazquez Pd. 8
Mr. Frank
When we speak of drop outs and the age it should be set to is a difficult thing to decide. Personally I feel that the drop out rate should go up to 18 year's old seeing to how 18 is when we are concidered an adult. Sixteen is way to young to drop out, you can't even buy your own place at that age so why leave school? A law raising the age would deffinately reduce the dropout rate because it would be law and unless they want to be fined then they will follow it. The types of programs that should be placed to make the law effective are addiction, pregnancy and family programs for those students who drop out for those struggles. They are worth the cost because we need to help our youth they or our future adults. We need to make a better future for them and we need them to work hard in order to make a better world!

4/29/2011
Sidney, MT

Rihana
Sidney High School
I think the high school drop out age should stay at the age of 16. Some students drop out because school is just not right for them or they would rather work full time and earn money than go to school for five days a week.

4/29/2011
Sidney, MT

Krissy H
Sidney High School
I think the drop out age should stay the same. Sometimes people run into problems, and they can make it extremely hard to go to school. People have personal problems that come up and going to school every day is just to much for them to handle.

4/29/2011
Porterville/ California

Keane
Mr.s Smith/ Monache High School
I believe that the drop out rate should remain at 16 because some students are just not cut out for school. I think that the classroom should be productive environment where kids only are if they want to be, so the those that don't want to be there don't inhibit the learning of those that do. There is nothing wrong with someone who wants to drop out of high school in order to get an early start on their career as a retail clerk or stylist (or things of this nature), for the society and the economy needs someone to do these jobs, and it is better to have people doing a job they love then hating learning something that will not use ever again.

4/28/2011
philadelphia/PA

Aimman P8
Mr.Frank/Northeast High School
I think dropout school age would be 18,because this is the age when teens start taking step or act like adult. However some teens still act silly and try to say "we are adult" we can make our own decision. I believe some kids just became into pressure and have much going on with them. If you make strict law that might help. At this point kids want to do what they want. Eighteen years old have option to stay in school and make a improvement for their life,if they really start thinking seriously.

4/28/2011
Phoenix, AZ

Felix Fornino
SIATech
I think the drop out rate should be 18, the age that a person becomes an adult. Many students drop out for various family or personal reasons. Raising the age would allow students the ability to stay in school instead of rationalizing their decision to quit. It puts more weight on the side of remaining in school. Young people need the guidance of responsible adults to help them make the correct choices. Raising the age to 18 will make it more difficult to drop out and that is a good thing.

4/27/2011
Philadelphia Pa

Alan Huang Period 8
Mr.Frank / Northeast High School
I think the dropout age should be 18 years old. 18 is when you become consider as an adult, and start to make your own decisions. For whatever reason kids decide to drop out, the age of 18 is the best age because that is when kids mind is developed enough to make decisions on their own. Its also proven that it reduces drop out percentages if the age is set to a higher age, forcing kids to stay in school. In conclusion students should be 18 to drop out because that is the age when your consider as a adult and make your own decisions.

4/27/2011
Sidney/Montana

landon
Mr. Faulhaber
i think that the age to drop out should be raised. It's proven that it reduces the drop out percentage, and 16 year olds are legally not considered adults, and so should not be treated as such.

4/21/2011
MT

Cole
Sidney High School
I think that raising the drop out age is a good idea. Kids at age sixteen of course they don't want to be at school and if they don't have the parents behind them to make them go they just won't. If it is raised and these students have no choice but to go to school i think it would help everyone in the long run.

4/20/2011
SPRING/TEXAS

KAREN MACIEL
VIRGINIA HAYSLEY/NOTH HARRIS LONE STAR
I support that the dropout age should be 17; thus, avoiding withdrawing from school at an early age. In addition, a law raising the age would reduce the dropout rates as we have perceived in the mentioned New Hampshire example. In 2009-10 school years the rates declined .7% from the previous school years, that's a great difference. However, state legislatures must balance their budget, and set aside money for educational programs, such as online completion classes, or free GED programs. These programs are essential for educational development, and this is the main reason why state legislatures have to see them as another primary point.