Should High School be Extended to 6 Years?

“Education refers to overall processes that help individuals to develop their behaviors, attitudes and abilities (Tezcan, 1985). It remains as the major tool by which people become empowered and the economic, social, and personal well-being of all citizens in all societies is provided (American Psychological Association [APA], 2010). The prosperity of a country depends on its well qualified and educated human capital. Thus education level of a society is one of the most important indicators of socio economic development and productivity rates in a country (Çakmak, 2008).” In today’s economy, a high school diploma, an associates degree and relevant education is necessary to succeed. 6 year high schools are one way to ensure that students are getting the education they need to thrive in today’s society. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, an employed person with only a high school diploma earns an average of $33,904 yearly. An employed person with an associate’s degree earns an average of $40,820 yearly. Individuals that have only earned a high school diploma have an 8.3% unemployment rate, while individuals with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree only have a 6.2% unemployment rate. The average for the United States is 6.7%. Individuals that don’t even have a high school diploma fall to a 12.4% unemployment rate!
High schools should be extended to six years. There are many reasons as to why this is true. One reason is to cut out the cost of college. In the final two years of the high school, you can be learning from professors and earning your associates degree in high school. Second reason is to decrease drop-out rate. Students that will be earning two very important forms will be more likely to stay in school or that program. Another reason would be that some companies are joining in