Your WTF for the day – Senior Year Optional?

So Utah has recently had a pretty crazy proposal brought forth by one of their Senators, suggesting that senior year for high school students become an optional decision. Originally he stated getting rid of it all together, but has since changed to making it just an optional year.

The notion quickly gained some traction among supporters who agreed with the Republican’s assessment that many seniors frittered 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.”

The proposal comes as the state faces a $700-million shortfall and reflects the creativity — or desperation — of lawmakers. He estimated the move could save up to $60 million, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

But some education officials say they don’t think the plan represents a change.

“We’ve always had an option in place for early graduation,” said Debra Roberts, chairwoman of the Utah Board of Education, adding that it was OK to give students the choice to graduate early, but that they shouldn’t be pushed to leave.

About 200 students a year take advantage of early graduation, said Brenda Hales, state associate superintendent.

More of the story can be found here.

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