Schools may guarantee their grads

Group, May/Jun 1999 by Martin, Stephanie

RICHMOND, VA.

Virginia's education officials want high schools to offer a warranty contract for their graduates. The contract would state that the students can perform college-level work. if a student later needs remedial courses in college, the high school would have to pay those course costs.

A related proposal would extend the warranty to employers of recent graduates. If graduates lack skills, employers could have them retake certain courses at the high school's expense.

Many educators fear the repercussions and costs of such warranties. They say schools that receive less funding may urge graduates not to attend college to prevent huge remedial-training bills. Others say the term .college-level work" isn't well-defined.

Warranty proponents say they're a return to the idea that a high school diploma ensures a particular level of competency.

Is guaranteeing graduates' competency a good idea? Why or why not?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; and James 4:11-12. Should students have to meet strict standards before graduating? Why or why not? Are such standards a form of judging or discrimination? Why or why not?

Read Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 2731; and Ephesians 4:1113. Are high school warranties unfair or demeaning to low or average achievers? Why or why not? Do they place too much emphasis on the gift of scholarship? What motivates students to discover and improve their particular gifts?

Read Proverbs 22:29; 28:19; Ecclesiastes 9:10; and Romans 12:11. Would warranties put more pressure on schools and teachers or on students? Explain. Would that pressure be positive or negative? Explain. Are warranties practical or idealistic? too costly or money wellspent? If implemented, would they more likely have positive or negative results? Explain.

If you knew you'd be "under warranty" after graduation, would it change how you approach classes and schoolwork? Why or why not? What motivates you to develop and use your gifts?