Today’s students in Alaska can start school at 7 years of age and quit at 16. Neither end of
that range is most beneficial to students. With the renewed emphasis on reading, mathematics
and writing skills, children who start late are at a serious disadvantage, and remediation increases
costs to districts, which are accountable for student performance. On the other end of that range,
a diploma has become the primary ticket to more opportunity for students. The document is
required for admission to the vast majority of colleges, trade apprenticeships and almost every
arm of the military. Being 18 is also another important requirement for success after high school.
Due to changes in child labor laws and insurance liabilities for employers, they must hire adults
over that age for more demanding and higher-paying jobs.
