Requirements

I go through school, everyday, dreading certain classes. Not to say I hate school or hate duing work, but there are certain things I don't understand; why are we forced to take classes that we are never going to use? Someone who plans to be in music their entire life shouln't have to take all of the same classes as someone who wants to be an author. Obviously, some core classes are obligatory but to what extent? The school system currently in place has clearly proved successful, but a change could boost the level of achievement in all areas.

Personally, i think the distribution of curriculum in primary and secondary school needs to be adjusted. Elementary school is a true foundation for the remaining years of school. It is the preparation for learning; it teaches kids how to learn through basic knowledge. Clearly, primary education is not enough background for the rest of a person's life. I think Junior High/Middle School should be more rigorous and should prepare and help us to start understanding where we want to go in life (help us find interests, abilities, etc.). High school, in my opinion, should really be about finding your place, finding what you love to do, and starting to perfect your talents. College would be that place to really specialize in a certain "area" after trying new things in high school.

I feel like in high school, they (politicians, school board leaders,etc.) say we have freedom to "go our own way", but we don't. to get into a good college, we as students are taking classes we aren't truly interested in just to fill the requirements. In meeting those requirements, we have a lack of choice in the classes we take. In addition, many people aspire to exceed the expectations to increase their chance of acceptance into their school of choice. However, they aren't taking classes for the sake of learning what they desire to learn. I think an education based around looser requirements would really benefit a lot of people.

With the current school system, this 'specialized program' would not be possible. Students need to have a stronger foundation entering high school. Junior high/middle school, like I said, would have to be much more preparatory. Understanding that some children would not be ready for such a demanding program, starting in 6th grade, students would need to be slowly weaned into this system. A huge benefit of this system would be more expierenced/knowledgeable 'specialists' in all different areas/careers. Our country would start to 'catch up' to other countries who currently have much stronger academic programs than ours. Obviously this isn't something that is certain to work but it very well might improve our education.

I know if I had a choice, my schedule would not look the same. I know my interests, abilities, and passions; taking classes that will never pertain to my life is preventing me from excelling in those areas. Hopefully, all these classes will come in handy sometime, but until i'm truly convinced, I plan on pursuing my passions through other connections.