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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-12-28, Page 24Proposed legislation would deny drivers licences to high school drop -outs Ashley Eddie arniiiMEM Denying licences to high school drop -outs is a good way to keep stu- dents in school, agreed Herb Klassen, principal of Central Huron secondary school. Education Minister Gerard Kennedy introduced legislation Dec. 13 that would suspend driving privi- leges to drop -outs, as well as fining students aged 16 to 17 as much as $1,000 for being truant. "I think that the government is serious about this," said Klassen, who agreed that this legislation could be a step in the right direction. "We want students to be in school because we want them to get a diplo- ma and be successful in life," Klassen said. He also said that there are alter- native ways to earn an education that does not require being in a classroom full-time. For students who have a hard time meeting the expectations of the cur- riculum, the program "Cooperative Opportunities Providing Education," or COPE, allows students to get their credits using an alternative types of learning through written material designed by the Ministry of Education. Julie Gillam, COPE teacher at CHSS, hopes that suspending licences to drop -outs will be effec- tive, although she is not sure if it will be. "The kids that I deal with, they have low motivation already" she said. To receive a licence, it costs $125 for the G1 written test and the G2 road test, which is a barrier in itself, agreed Gillam. "[My students] come from homes that don't have the money to get [their licence] anyway, so I don't know if it will be one more thorn in their side," she said. However, Gillam does see the posi- tive in the legislation. "On. the other side, I don't think it's that bad of a thing either, because someone who is driving should have some form of an educa- tion," Gillam said. Some COPE students think that it is a good thing topress on to teenagers. "It's a good idea, because you need your education if you want to get anywhere," said Rachel Fournier. "You drop out of school, you can't get your licence, and then you can't get to work. It will keep people in school, and that's a good thing," said AJ Sager. iteroreomolmeskrAger The Huron Expositor • December 28, 2005 Page 24 4 =1 II')I`IIl titf Special Holiday Hours Wed -Fri • Regular Hours ecember 314.8:30-5:00 CLOSED January 14 Regular Hours .turn January • Blend