Bill to raise dropout age clears House panel

This from C-J:

The House Education Committee voted Wednesday to approve a bill that would raise Kentucky's school dropout age from 16 to 18 after Kentucky first lady Jane Beshear urged its passage.

"All of our children should be given the opportunity to realize their full potential," Beshear said in her testimony.

About 6,000 students drop out of Kentucky schools prior to their 18th birthday every year, according to state Education Commissioner Terry Holliday.

Of adjoining states, only West Virginia and Missouri allow children to drop out at age 16...