How-to-Study Blog

Harold Levy, a former chancellor of the New York City schools, proposes raising the age of compulsory education.  The current compulsory education age across states ranges from 16 to 18.  Levy proposes that all students remain in school until age 19. He maintains that simply having a high school education does not prepare students to compete in today’s society.

Research has consistently shown that more education is associated with better health, better quality of life, higher income, and a longer life expectancy.  Levy wonders why the school day should end at 3.  This is a good question since work days typically end at 5.  He also wonders if students really need a three-month summer vacation.  In the real world, few people get anything close to that.  We have seen a trend toward longer school years.  In many cases, the school day is lengthened via after-school programs.  Is this enough?  What do you think about Levy’s ideas?