Quinn supports raising dropout age to 18

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn announced Friday that he supports increasing the minimum age Illinois students can drop out of school from 17 to 18, although other measures may be needed to significantly reduce the dropout rate.

“The best way to ensure that our children have the chance to achieve and succeed is to make sure they stay in school long enough to earn their diploma,” Quinn said in a statement.

The governor’s comments came after President Barack Obama urged states in his State of the Union speech to encourage students to complete their high school education. Illinois is one of 29 states that allow students to drop out of school before they turn 18, the governor’s office said.

In 2005, under Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Illinois raised the dropout age from 16 to 17. Quinn’s statement said research shows educational achievement is linked to higher lifetime earning potential, stronger economies and lower crime rates.

Quinn said he will propose the legislation during his State of the State address next week. He did not provide details about whether the plan will provide money for more dropout prevention or include any exemptions, such as an Ohio measure that allows students to leave school at age 16 if they have a job and parental permission.

Charles McBarron, a spokesman for the Illinois Education Association, said Quinn and Obama’s attention to the issue will help start the conversation about reducing the dropout rate.

“As an organization, we believe everything should be done to keep high school students in school,” McBarron said. He said it is not clear that keeping students in the classroom longer will lead to drastic changes, but he hopes the legislation has measures attached to it that will help engage the students.

A report from the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy in Massachusetts shows raising the compulsory age alone may not have a significant impact on dropout rates. Executive Director Chad d’Entremont said the most effective method is to raise the age as well as increase supportive services in schools.

“What we have found is most effective is taking steps to engage students, for parents and students to see the value of the education,” he said.

D’Entremont said the focus should be prevention rather than intervention, but raising the compulsory age to 18 is important as a symbolic standard for students.