Kudos to Sen Buttars
Chris Buttars, a state Senator from West Jordan, UT has proposed controversial things before, largely related to social issues. But today, he really impressed me with his thoughts on education reform to save money.
He wants to get rid of the 12th grade:
Buttars argued before the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday that 12th grade is essentially a wasted year, with high school seniors either already taking college courses, or just playing around. The students who are ready would move on, while some type of remedial system would be available for those who aren’t.
I don’t know the merits of the proposal. I instinctively like it because graduation would be based on skill, not time in the system. But I’m happy to have it studied, honestly, before implementation.
But what I really like is his no sacred cows approach. Naturally the education establishment hates the idea – which is a plus in its favor in my book.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:26 am
Initially I react badly to it because I already think our high-schools are dismal failures at any reasonable portion of education.
Perhaps 12th grade is unnecessary, if the other grades actually teach something relevant and require some level of achievement.
As far as I can determine, a high-school diploma is just a piece of paper you are issued automatically when you turn 18.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:39 am
The idea may be meritless. I like the willingness to cast aside the system and fight the union that controls education.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
True. The teacher’s unions have shown a willingness to use outright lies to inspire fear in anything that challenges their source of funding.