Michigan is among 29 states where students can drop out of school at 16, but it soon could be one of 15 states to require students to attend school until they're 18.

State Sen. Elizabeth Brater, D-Ann Arbor, introduced a bill which would force Michigan's youth to stay in school until they turn 18, unless they are forced to work because of family hardships. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has chosen to back the bill.

While we would like to see Michigan graduate more high school students, an argument on whether to change the age requirement has yet to be presented.

Lawmakers need to prove why 18 will leave students better off than the age-16 requirement.

The proposed measure could penalize students who leave school before the designated age by eliminating their driving privileges.

We worry somebody who ignores the age standard by exiting early would not be able to provide for himself or herself without the ability to drive to employment.

And we question whether it's really a good idea to spend time teaching students who have their mind set on dropping out. It's a waste of time for teachers. Also, these students could possibly disrupt other students.

Changing the age requirement isn't the solution. It's encouraging student to stay in school with funding of programs that assist students who struggle to keep their interests in the classrooms.

It's a better method to assist rather than force students to stay in school, especially since lawmakers say Michigan needs to better prepare its youth for an increasing number of complex jobs.

Raising the dropout age is not the only answer to improve student learning.

The Legislature also needs to evaluate other states that have a drop age of 17 or 18 and compare the improvement of graduation rates, which is what our state is really striving for.

Education remains a privilege.