Four years

Minnesota High Schools are in a quandary. Many students especially minorities are not able to do the basic work and the schools realize that keeping them in school is essential both for the students future and the $15,000 per year per student that each school receives. The warning signs for trouble are commonly known as the ABC’s; attendance, behavior and course performance. The best incentive for a student to stay in school is a diploma and schools have made that available for those who follow the AB but have trouble with the C. Generally speaking, Minnesota high school students must take and pass MCAs in reading and writing as a requirement for graduation. Students have more than one chance to earn passing scores on the MCAs. These tests replace the Basic Skills Tests previously required for graduation. Students must also take the MCAs in science and mathematics; however a passing score on these assessments is not required for graduation. Evidence shows that if you can keep a student in high school for four years this greatly reduces the chances that the student will end up in prison and thus every effort is made to keep them in school. The cost of $15,000 per year pales in comparison to the $42,000 per year cost in prison. Many of these students realize that they are not able to do the work and thus feel like they are not smart and often times are bored and cause disruption in the classroom. There are special rooms set up where these students can go and special teachers there to supervise their behavior. The word is out that all you have to do is show up and halfway behave and you will get your diploma. It’s not the best system but it’s what we got.