Michigan Board's Proposal Would Provide Youths a Shortcut to College

By Peter Schmidt

Michigan 10th and 11th graders who passed a state exam would have the option of enrolling in college, under a proposal put forward by the state board of education.

The state board last month overwhelmingly endorsed the plan, which requires legislative approval. Under the unusual proposal, high school students who passed the test could receive public funding for their continued education at a community college or public four-year college or university.

"If students who are 16 years old can elect to drop out of school, I think they should be able to elect to select a program that meets their needs,'' Superintendent of Public Instruction Robert E....