LA CROSSE (WKOW) -- President Obama called on states to keep students in high school until age 18 during his annual address to Congress this week.
Wisconsin has already adapted the requirement, unlike most states. Educators say programs and support are needed to keep teens interested in school, changing the exit age or graduation rate isn't enough.
There are 30 states that allow students to drop out before the age of 18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These states include Minnesota and Iowa. Onalaska School District Superintendent Fran Finco told the La Crosse Tribune that educators will have to do much more than fall back on state law in order to achieve the president's aim to get more students better prepared for college or work.
