Experts weigh in on early high school graduation

Yesterday, we talked about high schools in eight states that are considering an initiative to let students place out of their senior year in high school and enter community college. It sparked a heated debate among listeners on the merits of the program, so we revisit the issue with a psychology professor and an expert in early graduation.

Listeners responded in droves: Some loved the idea and others thought that 16 or 17 is just too young to go to college. It turns out that thousands of students across the U.S. are already leaving high school early to go to college ? at least part time.

Joseph Harris, director of the National High School Center, tells us just how common early-college programs have become. Valerie Purdie-Vaughns, a psychology professor at Columbia University, talks about the impact that early graduation has on young minds.