Lets Really Reform Our Schools

I think in today’s society, what makes or breaks a young person’s future is there high school education. If one is not given a fair opportunity to learn, or if high school is not a safe and enjoyable place to go, often times what happens is either the kids stop going, or they just simply stop caring. In the words of Garland, “American high schools are disasters.” She believes that our high schools are in need of some serious rehabilitation. Some of her ideas include banning students who do not seem interested in studying, doing away with competitive sports between schools, and canceling the school prom. Although Garland meant well with her ideas, some of them were a bit invasive.

According to Garland, “We must stop allowing the attendance of so-called students who are not interested in studying”. She assumes that all students that do not study are all uninterested in learning and considers them a waist of space, and a danger to other students. I disagree. Because every student is unique, I think every student should be looked at differently. I also believe the reason why some students appear to be uninterested, is because the curriculum is so boring and out of date. If kids are bored, there is really nothing else to do but act out. If teachers made the learning process more interesting, more students would become interested in studying whether it was in or out of class. Lessons taught with a more hands on approach are just some of the ways to make learning more appealing. For example, more school trips, not only does this give students a chance to get away from the boring everyday lectures, but it also allows students to have fun, while learning at the same time.

Another idea Garland suggests, is doing away with competitive sports between high schools. She states, “The prime example of inappropriate school activity is in competitive sports between schools.” She believes competition takes away from the fun of the sport, and ruins student moral. She also states “Some school-sponsored activities are all to the good.” Things like school choirs, chess and drama clubs. Garland thinks that these types of activities bring similar students together. With this in mind, she has not totally ruled out sports, because she believes that intramural sports would be better. I also have to disagree with Garland in this matter. I do not see anything wrong with a little competition between schools. I believe when you compete outside of your school it gives one the opportunity to meet new people, it promotes teamwork, comradery, self confidence and helps one to improve their skills. In life, I think these are some of the skills people need for college, finding a job, and keeping a job.

Finally, Garland suggests that we put an end to the Prom. She considers the prom to be “the epitome of everything that is wrong, tasteless, misdirected, inappropriate, and just plain sad about the way we bring up our young people.” Although some things Garland said were true. The prom is a high school tradition and has been for years. From the first day of high school, most students fantasize about going to the prom and being apart of this tradition. Everything must be perfect, having the perfect dress/tux, the perfect hairdo/haircut, and just having the overwhelming feeling about being dressed up, for this special occasion. It is the one day of the year you get to see your fellow peers look their best. After all, it is one of the last times the students have to come together before their big day, Graduation.

To me, getting rid some students, the competitive sports and the prom does not solve the problems that high schools have, it merely masks them, and turns high school into a place where no one wants to be. High school should a safe place where the geeks can be geeks, the jocks can be jocks, and everyone can learn under one roof.