Plan promoting early HS graduation clears ed panel
BOISE - A bill seeking to encourage Idaho public schools to let students test out of courses if they can and graduate from high school by age 16 has cleared the House Education Committee.
Rep. Steve Thayn, an Emmett Republican, says his resolution - it's not binding - would help identify broad policies such as grade acceleration, early graduation and boosting parental empowerment that he believes will save the state money - especially in times of budget crisis.
Thayn supports using any savings from early graduations to help pay for students as they go on to college or trade schools.
Christian-affiliated lobbyists backed the measure, including Idaho Values Alliance's Bryan Fischer and Will Rainford of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, saying letting students work at their own pace could cut dropout rates.
The resolution now goes to a House vote.
Rep. Steve Thayn, an Emmett Republican, says his resolution - it's not binding - would help identify broad policies such as grade acceleration, early graduation and boosting parental empowerment that he believes will save the state money - especially in times of budget crisis.
Thayn supports using any savings from early graduations to help pay for students as they go on to college or trade schools.
Christian-affiliated lobbyists backed the measure, including Idaho Values Alliance's Bryan Fischer and Will Rainford of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, saying letting students work at their own pace could cut dropout rates.
The resolution now goes to a House vote.
