Title: Panel recommends change in state's dropout age

" I'm keeping kids healthy thing keeping them in school and new panel is recommending a change. And the State's dropout named western news -- Jennifer in joins us now live hi Jennifer. Hi -- you know under current state law students can drop out of school at sixteen now a special commission chaired by the State's education. Secretary recommended raising that age to eighteen in hopes of getting more students to graduation. When Manny Diaz had a baby last year the eighteen year old almost dropped out of school to take care for daughter got should be Lleyton does not go to school. A principal referred her to the Gerald Kremer center. A Wooster high school focused on keeping students in danger of dropping out in the classroom. Teachers are willing to us that there -- two and nineteen tunes so you learn not just sailing. Teach in if you don't understand the meaning in this state secretary of education hopes alternative education programs like Gerald Kremer. Can work in school districts across Massachusetts. Wednesday as special state commission recommended raising the age students are required to stay in school from sixteen to eighteen. It's part of an effort to lower the dropout rate. According to the western research bureau four point 7% of the city students quit school in the 20072008. Year. -- many cities across the state the rate is reportedly much higher. Former board of education member Roberta -- says a more educated workforce is one benefit of keeping students in class."

" The whole idea behind No Child Left Behind. Was to address those students -- want most and endanger. Not completing high school. "

" But the cost of programs for students at risk of dropping out concerns mayor and school committee chair Connie Luke's. This system is looking at a 26 million dollar budget deficit next school year."

" Unless the state Department of Education. Is our school system some monies to deal -- Mandating bad. Those were likely to be drop out stay in school. Is a good idea but ends up going nowhere."

" Marianne Diaz would tell you it's worth a try music scenes I don't think you really know what more do you would anyone do nothing you're gonna regret. Now it's really our call to action at this point according to the secretary of education lawmakers. Are looking at ways to officially erased that age Karen are right thank you Jennifer. And Telecom on what."