In a state wracked by partisan stand-offs, a new, life-changing policy occurred with nearly unanimous, bipartisan legislative support and the governor’s signature.
This new law will improve prosperity by allowing Illinois residents over 21 to obtain a high school diploma. This was the work of state Rep. Joe Sosnowski and state Sen. Steve Stadelman. Currently, dropouts cannot earn high school diplomas once they reach 21. They are limited to GED certificates.
The diploma offers a better path to job training and colleges and universities. Data released by the governor suggests a diploma can boost lifetime earnings by more than $670,000.
The next steps to get the program up and running will be implemented by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Community College Board and the Regional Offices of Education. I think all are committed to moving quickly; it will be part of ICCB’s broader statewide task force on the future of adult education.
Time and time again, the media reports employers are scrambling to fill job vacancies that require high school diplomas. We know dropouts returning to the classroom are more focused students. They have learned important life lessons the hard way. The new law is an unexpected second chance for these adults.
The program will partner with the community colleges and various nonprofits, and these adults will be around students their own age. At home, these adults will become role models for children, who will see their caregivers completing homework assignments.
The Alternative Schools Network has a 43-year track record of getting younger re-enrolled students back on track. With the diploma in hand, students stand a better chance to earn salaries that will provide for their families; the data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms the salary gap. Plus, the distribution of adult dropouts means this new tool can be a benefit to every region of the state.
At a time when unprecedented acrimony has seized our state, this new law is an exception; it’s a simple, but an incredibly worthwhile, way to better our state.
I hope we all follow the next steps carefully.
— Jack Wuest, executive director, Alternative Schools Network
