By Karli Dellar, staff writer
Early graduation: Why do school systems prefer that students complete all four years of high school as opposed to graduating early or testing out with such options as the ITED?
Well, do you think it is better doing the minimum of work for several years, acquiring only half the education you could have received, or studying hard the first time around and getting the best education that you can get? A smart and dedicated student will take the more difficult, but more fulfilling path.
Ideally, school officials would prefer students make the most of all the opportunities available at their home high school.
“Kenosha Unified wants every student to receive the best possible education and wants all students to be prepared for college, military service or the workforce after high school,” said Maria Kotz, principal at Indian Trail High School and Academy.
So the school system doesn’t have a dislike for early graduation, but it comes at it from a point of view similar to many parents — it just wants the best for students and their education.
Most early graduations result from taking the ITED test. Former Kenosha Military Academy senior Michael Maritato did that. Maritato has decided to join the U.S Marines service as an active reconnaissance force man. After taking the ITED, combined with several required classes, Maritato will graduate at Reuther High School this spring.
There are still some classes and work requirements needed as well.
“You take a test called the ITED. If you pass all of it, you take a class of government, health, personal finance, and you take the Work Keys,” said Maritato.
“In addition to the the classes, the student has to pass all subtests on the ITED test, and also an employability requirement: six months of successful employment or district approved work readiness portfolio, and finally WKCE writing total score of 4.0 or Work Keys – business writing level 3 or higher or ACT writing score of 6 or higher,” said Heidi Newberry, dean of attendance.
For those students who believe early graduation is the right choice, really think about this choice. Have your parents told you it is better to stay in high school for all four years? They probably have, and you probably let it go in one ear and out the other. Now school administrators are telling you that staying for all four years is the path you need to stay on, unless you have a rock solid plan in place for your future that you can rely on.
“Life changes after graduation and I think that high school provides a lot of opportunities for students. It is best to take advantage of everything high school has to offer,” said Kotz
Teenagers really don’t want to believe it, but what we are being told is actually helping us more than we realize. Our parents and Kenosha Unified are really trying to give us the best opportunities that we can get. Additional classes, Youth Options and career-directed electives are great opportunities for us to succeed at.
Cross the stage with your class in June and then head out into the real world. Use all you have learned here to create your own path.