Massachusetts, Utah, and New Hampshire eye bold high school reforms

Imagine if students could choose to leave high school as early as age 16 – not to drop out, but because they’re ready for college or career training.

New Hampshire is considering changing its system to allow students to do just that. Many teens would be motivated to work harder rather than float through high school, supporters of the idea say. After passing a state board exam, they could take demanding college-prep courses or enroll in community college. Those who didn’t pass could get help in their problem areas and then try again.

Redefining high school is a controversial idea. And it’s just one part of a comprehensive set of education reforms that the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce is urging in order to prepare workers to be competitive in the 21st-century global economy.

By Stacy Teicher Khadaroo | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

Full Story: http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1114/p02s04-usgn.html