Early graduation

Schools generally offer students advanced placement courses or even the opportunity to take college-level studies while still in high school. But should students have to stay in school? Idaho lawmakers are talking about encouraging students to graduate early rather than remain for four years of high school.

A plan passed by the Idaho House would pay students to graduate from high school rather than remain for four years. Students could graduate up to three years early and receive about $1,600 in scholarship funds for each year, if they enroll at a state university or community college.

Backers say it would encourage high-achieving and gifted students to accelerate their studies. "There is a fair amount of wasted time," Idaho Rep. Steve Thayn said. "I think there's a way to keep them engaged and to keep them learning.

Others wonder about the social implications of having 15-, 16- or 17-year-olds with 20-year-old students, assuming the graduating high-school students continue on to college.

Idaho's plan would also save the state money. Public school districts receive about $4,600 a year per student from the state.

But Idaho is not alone, according to an Associated Press report. Eight states are part of a pilot program led by the national Center on Education and the Economy that would allow high-school sophomores to graduate and go on to college. However, Idaho's plan challenges the traditional structure and basic assumptions behind today's educational system.