Bill would help Missouri high school students make career, college decisions
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Mid-Missouri representative has filed a bill meant to help high school students make decisions about their careers.
State Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) filed the "Students' Right to Know Act," which would compile information about the most in-demand jobs and average starting salaries for students who graduate from college or vocational schools in the state.
The act would also help shed light on the average cost of major universities and how much students pay monthly on average for their student loans.
The information would be compiled and kept by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. A department spokesperson said DESE does not comment on pending legislation.
The information the department collects would be given to every public high school in the state for students to use in October of each year.
Spokeswoman for Columbia Public Schools Michelle Baumstark said they already provide students with several resources, but more information is always welcome.
"Of course any additional information that can be provided to our students so that they can be better prepared for their future is always a good thing," Baumstark said.
Baumstark said a lot needs to be factored into these decisions for students.
"I don't think one piece of information in isolation," Baumstark said. "It's one piece of the puzzle, certainly we have resources to that will work in combination with that."