Staying in school until 18 will help young adults obtain skills to thrive in modern economy: Minister
Manitoba is proposing new legislation that will require all students to continue pursuing their education or training until the age of 18.
"Success in the modern economy will be dependent on students having every opportunity to pursue post-secondary education, training and apprenticeships," said Education Minister Nancy Allan.
"Those opportunities are lost when a young person does not have a high-school diploma or equivalent. Raising the compulsory education age to 18 will help ensure kids stay in school and are well prepared for life beyond the classroom."
Students in Manitoba are currently required to be in school until the age of 16. Under the proposed legislation, young people would be required to stay in school or in a recognized workforce training program until they are 18 or they graduate.
"This is the most significant change in educational standards in decades," said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger. "This is not about telling young people what to do; it's about opening doors for success in life."
Manitoba's high-school graduation rate has increased from 72.4 per cent in 2001 to 80.9 per cent in 2009, said Allan. She credited that increase to the collaborative work done by parents, educators and school divisions.
"The proposed legislation would build on that spirit of collaboration in order to keep our graduation rate increasing and to keep our school system improving," she said.
The proposed legislation would require school boards to establish policies and procedures to support students in remaining engaged in school or in activities and programs which provide educational benefits.
Policies and procedures would be established to assist pupils with difficulties in attending school and regulations under the act would outline the format and timing of reporting absences to parents and school attendance officers.
Existing guidelines around truancy will be clarified to ensure attempts are made to engage the student at school or in an alternative activity prior to any warning or a fine being issued. A new fine would be created for 16 or 17 year olds who refused to attend.
"The key to keeping students engaged is to help every student find the path to success that works for them, whether that is through the traditional classroom, alternative programming, apprenticeships or in a technical-vocational setting," said Allan. "Raising the compulsory education age to 18 will help prepare our students for a successful future, whether that is in the workplace, a training or apprenticeship program, or a college or university."
Amendments would also require early-learning or child-care facilities to be included in all new schools and in major renovations. This builds on the government's commitment under the Family Choices plan to invest $37 million in converting surplus school space into child-care centres, said Allan.
