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Pocono News Section
PA Chosen for Early High School Grad Program
PA Chosen for Early High School Grad Program - Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 11:24AM EST
Reported by: Mark Hiller
Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 @ 11:24am EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Pennsylvania high school students may soon be able to graduate at the end of their sophomore year.
Pennsylvania is one of 8-states chosen to participate in a pilot program that would let students get their diplomas early.
The non-profit group National Center On Education And The Economy is behind the program.
Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, a limited number of schools in Pennsylvania and 7 other states would administer exams at the end of 10th grade.
Any sophomore who passes would earn a diploma 2-years early.
"I could start pursuing for my college degree and stuff like that. Yeah, that would be awesome."
You can count Scranton High School Sophomore Michael DeJesus as a supporter of the early graduation program.
Students who'd pass a test at the end of 10th grade meeting certain standards in english, math, science and history could enroll in a 2 or 4-year college with open admissions.
"That would be great because I'm pursuing for forensic file," said DeJesus.
Senior Samantha Dearie likes the program, too. She feels she hasn't gotten a lot out of 12th grade so far.
"First 3 or 4 months of school I'm learning stuff that I already knew," said Dearie. "Like, c'mon, teach me more new stuff," she laughed.
She and many other teens like the program because it would put them on the fast track of life.
"You'd be be able to get a job earlier. You'd be able to to to college earlier. It would speed up the independency process," she said.
Only 10 to 20 Pennsylvania high schools would participate in the pilot program.
Under the plan, sophomores who pass the testing criteria would have the option of graduating early or remaining in high school and taking specific classes geared toward the college of their choice.
Some, though, are skeptical about the program.
"Maybe it would, for certain individuals, would work but overall I'd be a little hesitant," said Cindy Campbell of Peckville.
Her 16-year-old son, Ryan, is a junior at Valley View High School.
She believes sophomore-aged high school grads may have a tough time fitting in with college co-eds.
"Academically they may be ready but otherwise I think they're probably not mature enough to get into the college life and the responsibility that comes with it," she said.
Only time will tell if this pilot program makes the grade and exactly which schools statewide will participate.
Pennsylvania schools currently offer dual enrollment which allows students to enroll in college courses while still in high school.
Also, in some instances, students with enough high school credits can graduate early.
But a program this widespread has not been tried in the U. S. although it has in several other nations including Canada, England and Germany.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is providing $1.5 million to fund the early graduation pilot program. | | |
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