Utah High School Plans to Axe 12th Grade
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Across the country in parents’ coffee clutches and administrative board meetings, senioritis is referred to as the devil. For those of you not familiar with the term, it’s a fond little nickname for slacking off during senior year of high school. Wise elders have discussed – at length – various ways of preventing senioritis. But doing away with 12th grade altogether seems like just a wee bit harsh, don’t you think?
That prospect is what at least one Utah lawmaker has in mind. The debate stems from a recent proposal by state Sen. Chris Buttars that Utah make a dent in its budget gap – its $700-million shortfall, to be exact – by eliminating the 12th grade at Utah's West Jordan High School, according to the LA Times.
Many parents, teachers, and students in the school district are opposed to the idea, but supporters argue that seniors “fritter away” their final year of high school anyway.
The Republican senator has amended his proposal by suggesting that senior year become optional for students who complete their required credits ahead of time. He’s estimated the move could save up to $60 million, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
Here’s a quick look at both sides of the argument:
PRO | Sen. Howard A. Stephenson, Republican, co-chairman of Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee: “The bottom line is saving taxpayer dollars while improving options for students. The more options we give to students to accelerate, the more beneficial it is to students and taxpayers.”
CON | J.D. Williams, West Jordan High School student body president: “Senior year hasn't been a waste for me. [He writes for his school paper, plays lacrosse, sings in two choirs and takes college-level courses.] If you’re the type of kid who will slack off, you’d find a way to do that in sophomore or junior year anyway.”
Do you think senior year is a vital part of high school, or should it be optional? Comment below.
Photo source: Julio Ibarra / Google Images
