An Ideal High School

Ok, so we all know that the trend of dropping out of high school is constantly growing. According to several research authorities, the numbers were around 7,000 each day, totaling over 1 million each year. Maybe it is time we did something about this. I’m suggesting we revamp the education system as we know it, one school at a time.

I attended three different high schools and then dropped out my junior year, because the classes were boring and I would have to stay in school an extra year to graduate. If I could build my perfect high school, it would be like none other. I’ve actually thought about this often.

First, I wouldn’t hire just any teacher with credentials. A top priority would be a degree in social sciences. Teachers need to understand human development, learning styles, and teaching styles. It has to be about more than simply cramming facts into a student’s brain. Aspiring teachers would also have to spend more time shadowing current teachers in the field before obtaining their credentials.

Second, there would be very few mandatory classes. Also, lots of alternative education options, like dual enrollment in community college for college bound students, apprenticeship programs for trade bound students and life skills programs for everyone. I’ve never really understood the significance of all of these mandated classes. If you take a good, long, hard look at these required courses, you would see that we are simply educating future educators. Why not give the kids what they desire? Maybe allow them to choose more of their own classes.

Third, I would expand the hours of operation, not requiring students or faculty is in attendance the entire duration. Say 6 am to 6 pm. This would allow early birds their peak performance times as well as late risers. Half of our ADD/ADHD problem isn’t going to be solved with medication; a better course of action is to allow people to focus when they are best able to. This would also cut class times, provide more job opportunities, and possibly decrease some costs.

Fourth, I would bring religion back into the schools. A special set of classes that are taught by non-biased, well educated, religious scholars. This school would also have an offering of all the major religions in the world, so students can get the education and make their own decisions based on facts and wisdom instead of what their relatives or peers have to say. This would not be in violation of the “separation of church and state” law, since the teachers would be sharing information and knowledge, not their personal faith.

Lastly, I would not have an expulsion or suspension policy. Kicking “bad kids” out of school does not solve anything, it only teaches them that they are not loved and don’t deserve it. Instead I would have well trained and experience counselors to work with these hard to reach kids. And would also provide outlets for them to express themselves, via newspaper, contact sports (boxing, wrestling), creative arts programs (including drama and writing), and mediation.

What do you think???