PLN #4

   In the intriguing article, "High School Only Shorter", written by Sue Shellenbarger, she describes how easily students have graduated from high school early. For example, Nicholas Myers of Fishers Ind., graduated High School in only 3 years. All he did was take senior classes early and finished extra courses online. Unfortunately, he had to pass up on Senior Prom and a special trip to New York. But now, at 18, he says it was all worth it. He was awarded $4,000 from the state of Indiana to be used at a state-approved college. In 2002, 2.9% of students graduated in 3 years. In the 1990's, it was only 1.5%, says Elise Christopher, a scientist and researcher for the National Center of Education in Washington. Jenifer Dounay Zinth, a senior policy analyst with Denver-based Education Cummision, says that Proponents are eliminating "senioritis", when students are lazy. Of course, there is a down side to a 3 year diplomacy. Critics aren't sure if students are ready to go to college at 17. Mrs. Zinth says that a lot of people think 4 years is best. Roland Priebe helped his son, Luke, graduate in 3 years. He says that his sons' learning level was faster than what school was giving him. And the 3 year diplomacy was perfect for them. Luke had to take a lot of extra courses and exams beyond his level, but he got through it, and went to Brown University. He said it was a lot of pressure and stress, and he was so happy for the break after graduation. But then there was a Laura Paul. She wanted to graduate early for a different reason. She wanted to move to a more diverse, cosmopolitan school. But her mother said no, she said her daughter was too young and she didn't want her to move so far away. So Laura went to nearby Boise State University. She was actually pleased. There were a variety of people there. A breast cancer survivor, people from Pakistan, Africa, and a man in his 50's. She says it was the best decision she ever made, to graduate early.
   The article, "High School Only Shorter" is a very interesting read. Sue Shellenbarger does a fantastic job telling others about 3 year graduates. When it comes to 3 year diplomas, I don't have a lot to say. I dont believe it is wrong, people can do what they want with there lives, but in a way, 4 years brings more of a future. It brings more opportunities and better pay. It would be nice to get out of school one year ahead of everyone, but they built school to be 4 years. I mean, if this "3 year diploma" was realistic, wouldn't they have made High School 3 years instead of 4? I think we are meant to be in school 4 years. But if some people want to work harder and exhaust themselves, they can go ahead. But I believe that being in school for 4 years is better for students futures as responsible adults for our future.