Harry Guerrilla
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Utah Considers Cutting 12th Grade - Altogether // Current
I think it's a good idea, a lot of time is wasted in senior year doing fun and not necessarily educational stuff.
Reporting from Denver - At Utah's West Jordan High School, the halls have swirled lately with debate over the merits of 12th grade:
Is it a waste of time? Are students ready for the real world at 17?
For student body president J.D. Williams, 18, the answer to both questions is a resounding no. "I need this year," he said, adding that most of his classmates feel the same way.
The sudden buzz over the relative value of senior year stems from a recent proposal by state Sen. Chris Buttars that Utah make a dent in its budget gap by eliminating the 12th grade.
The notion quickly gained some traction among supporters who agreed with the Republican's assessment that many seniors fritter away their final year of high school, but faced vehement opposition from other quarters, including in his hometown of West Jordan.
"My parents are against it," Williams said. "All the teachers at the school are against it. I'm against it."
Buttars has since toned down the idea, suggesting instead that senior year become optional for students who complete their required credits early. He estimated the move could save up to $60 million, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
I think it's a good idea, a lot of time is wasted in senior year doing fun and not necessarily educational stuff.