Military Service Doesn't Count When It Comes To Extra Points For Education, DOE Tells New York Principals Reuters New York City principals are up in arms over a new plan that gives bonus points this year to high schools based on graduates going to college - but doesn't count those who join the military. Department of Education officials met with a group of principals last week to explain changes in Progress Reports coming out this fall. Schools that send more kids to community or baccalaureate colleges within six to 18 months will get extra credit. When a principal asked about points for grads who choose to enlist in the armed forces, he was shot down. The military isn't college. It doesn't count," the group was told. In response to criticism, DOE officials say they are working to gather military enlistment records and eventually credit schools for grads who sign up to serve the country - which spokesman Matt Mittenthal called a "strong career track." The DOE recently got access to the National Student Clearinghouse, which lists those enrolled at 70 percent of the nation's colleges, including CUNY and SUNY. The extra points for college enrollment can help improve the letter grade given to each school - from "A" to "F" - and polish its image. But principals are shellshocked that young heroes who may be sent to battle won't get, for now, the same nod as peers who head for the dorms. Click for more on this story from the New York Post