My 2 Cents: Controversial Plan To Motivate High School Students

Nationwide, about one out of every four high school freshmen drop out before graduation.

Pasco County Florida, just north of Tampa, does slightly better but they've come up with a plan to motivate students.

It's being called controversial, it shouldn't be. In a small way, it's giving students a snapshot of their future.

They're segregating the students at lunch. Not by race, or ethnicity, but by segregating the students at Hudson High by effort and achievement.

Really, the "higher-achievers" get bracelets to wear that carry special privileges. They don’t have to eat lunch in the overcrowded cafeteria, and they get free admission to sporting events - you get the idea. 

The requirements aren't that rigorous, a 2.0 GPA, no more than four absences, and no F's.  They call those kids, on track students - on track to graduate. 

Apparently, the parents of student who are "off-track" don't like it. They say it's dividing the student body because everyone knows which group you’re in and they complain.

Welcome to the real world.

Heaven forbid we teach our kids that a modest amount of effort and discipline will get you ahead in life. Maybe more high schools ought to think about giving out bracelets.

I'm Kelly Ogle and that's My 2 Cents.