LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) on Wednesday backed a plan that would increase the high school dropout age to 18, ensuring that every student gets the education and training needed to succeed in the 21st century economy.
"A high school diploma is a necessity in today's world," McDowell said. "In these tough economic times, our students must understand that finding a job will not be guaranteed. Presently, a parent is responsible for a child until they are 18 years old, but if a child decides on their own to dropout at 16, the parent is still held accountable for that child's decision. This plan would give these parents and students an option by developing alternative education sources."
The plan would increase the dropout age from 16 to 18, and does not apply to children who are home-schooled. The state's current dropout age was established in 1896, when Michigan was largely dependent on agriculture and many children left school at an early age to work on the family farm. Over 100 years later, the state's industry has changed dramatically, making it difficult for young people to find good-paying jobs without finishing high school.
The lack of a high school diploma has lasting and well-documented impacts, according to Voices for Michigan's Children. High school dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, rely more on government assistance, and become involved in crime. Higher levels of education lead to higher wages and income, as well as jobs with opportunities for advancement, and more protection against unemployment. Additionally, a high school diploma is a minimum requirement for most jobs.
"To be a leader in the 21st century economy we need our children to know that an education is not optional," McDowell said. "Jobs today require at least a high school diploma and it is our responsibility to make sure our students get that. We must help our young people become competitive members of the workforce, and stressing the importance of education will prepare them."