Gov. Quinn to propose raising school dropout age to 18

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Updated: January 28, 2012 3:13PM

Gov. Pat Quinn says he’ll propose raising the age at which students can drop out of school in Illinois to 18.

It’s 17 now. That makes Illinois one of 29 states that let students leave school before they turn 18.

In an appearance Friday in New York on the MSNBC cable TV show “Morning Joe,” Quinn said he’ll propose raising the minimum age to drop out during his “State of the State” address next week.

The governor’s comments came after President Barack Obama urged states in his “State of the Union” speech to encourage students to complete their high school education.

Quinn said the best way to make sure children are successful is to make sure they stay in school long enough to earn a diploma.