| HomeschoolingResourceCenter.org Home | Search | About Us | Contact Us |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
News Items Last Revised December 8, 2008 |
|
Released: December 8, 2008 
Rep. Alma Smith (D-district 54) has submitted a bill (House #6674) to raise the age of compulsory
school attendance in Michigan from 16 to 18 years. The bill was submitted to the committee on
11/20/2008.
Background: Proponents of similar bills argue that raising the age keeps students in school and increases graduation rates. Opponents disagree, pointing out that it forces students who don’t want to be in school to stay, which can cause classroom disruptions. This makes it harder for students who want to learn to do so. The two states with the highest high school graduation rates – Maryland and North Dakota – only requires attendance to age 16. Oregon, the state with the lowest graduation rate, requires attendance to age 18. Of particular concern to homeschoolers is the fact that such a law would restrict parent’s freedom to decide the best course of action for high-school-aged children. Examples include dual enrollment, apprenticeships, work experiences, early graduation, and early college. Another significant concern is the impact this would have on school budgets, classroom sizes, classroom space and additional teachers needed to accommodate the additional students. The Home School Legal Defense Association reports that when California raised the age of compulsory attendance, “unwilling students were so disruptive that new schools had to be built just to handle them and their behavior problems, all at the expense of the taxpayer.” Since the bill is still in committee, HSLDA recommends that no action be taken by homeschoolers at this time, but we should be aware that this is still a “hot topic” with legislators. |
