If I Ran a High School…

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As my two kids progressed through public high school I launched numerous dinner table discussions with the same six words. Now that it’s graduation time, I’m going take one last crack at starting that way.

If I ran a high school…

Cartoon by Daryl Cagle - msnbc.com (click to reprint)
Cartoon by Daryl Cagle – msnbc.com (click to reprint)

…I’d make the demands of the school day fewer, and the school year longer. Kids don’t have enough time to think straight let alone juggle classes, clubs, sports, homework and family, and still get 8 to 9 hours of sleep each night, which most experts believe is necessary. At our high school in Carmel, Calif., they’re now considering starting classes an hour later, at 8:45 a.m., based on numerous studies showing teens don’t function best at an earlier hour. Incredibly, there is even research showing that teens have fewer accidents just getting to school if the bell rings later.

Yet, the U.S. is falling behind, and a cue can be taken from nations that have a shorter summer break. More 10-day vacations rather than two or three months off would be better than the current American approach.

…I’d cut down on homework, particularly the busy-work kind, even in AP and honors classes. I’d also command teachers to coordinate tests so they don’t pile up on the same days.

…Speaking of honors classes, I’d fix the problem some schools face with a “weighted” grade-point system that forces high achievers to opt out of electives – such as music or journalism – because even an “A” in those classes would lower their GPA.

…I’d give more time for a healthy lunch (our kids got 35 minutes). And I’d forbid clubs and other school groups from holding meetings at lunch, which serve to reduce meals to a few hasty bites.

…I’d see to it that all students in all grades have organized exercise daily, unless they play a team sport, in which case I’d place them in a special study hall where they can catch up on homework.

…I’d insist that loaded backpacks not be so heavy. The potential back strain won’t necessarily show up for years, when it’s too late. I see that a high school in Clearwater, Fla., is going to distribute Kindle e-readers to its 2,100 students, with all text book content loaded on the single lightweight device.

…However, I’d prohibit cell phones and other personal communication devices in classes. It astonishes me that some teachers allow texting in the classroom.

…I’d stop kids who do poorly in class from “making up” the credits by taking poorly run and virtually useless online courses run by outside companies.

…I’d be more conscientious about controlling the cost to each family for what is presumed to be a “free” public school education. If gym shorts cost $20, a yearbook $75, a field trip $170, an athlete fee $100, etc., then pretty soon free schooling isn’t so free. The school board in Brooksville, Fla., just vetoed a music trip to Scotland for which each student was going to be charged $6,000.

…I’d require students in band and orchestra to wear earplugs. Studies have shown how high volume affects kids’ hearing; one study even revealed that many music teachers suffer serious hearing loss without protection.

…I’d end the practice of allowing seniors to leave school early each day if they have sufficient credits for graduation. High school isn’t college, and 12th graders should have the same length work day as every other student.

…Maybe I have a professional bias, but I’d see to it that every school library carries several daily newspapers. And no matter how much technology the library acquires, I’d insist that for the foreseeable future it also continues to have actual printed books.

…Finally, I’d seek to reduce the stress that comes with college applications and admissions. A four-year college education at an expensive, big-name institution isn’t worth making a student an emotional wreck during four years of high school.

As it happens, I’m not an administrator or teacher or anyone responsible for implementing these changes. In fact, as of next month I’m not even a high school parent. So I’m leaving these notes with you, while I strike up a dinner conversation about what I’d do if I ran a college…

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Peter Funt writes about newspapers at: www.FuntonFronts.com.

Peter Funt may be reached at: www.CandidCamera.com.

©2010 Peter Funt. This column is distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons, Inc. newspaper syndicate. For info call Cari Dawson Bartley at 800 696 7561 or e-mail [email protected].

Peter Funt is a writer and public speaker. He’s also the long-time host of “Candid Camera.” A collection of his DVDs is available at www.candidcamera.com.


Comments

2 responses to “If I Ran a High School…”

  1. Mr. Lee Avatar
    Mr. Lee

    I dont agree with everything on this list, but it does point out one very important issue.

    PARENTS NEED TO GET MORE INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. They need to be the ones "running" the high school by attending PTA and school board meeting to get these changes implemented!

    My son is three, and right now I take an oath to stay involved with my children's education.

  2. Good Life Avatar
    Good Life

    I’d cut down on homework, particularly the busy-work kind, even in AP and honors classes. I’d also command teachers to coordinate tests so they don’t pile up on the same days.—-What's busy-work? learning comes from repetition. And life in the work force gives busy days, that's part of the training. Prepare for them ahead, don't cram.

    Kindle e-readers—-And set up computers to allow students to study each subject at his/her own pace. When they get to the end they get the credits if that takes a week or a semester.

    cell phones—-schools try to prohibit cell phones but they are an umbilical cord to mommies and daddies that want constant contact with baby. (How did parents do their job without such a lifeline?) (sarcastic)

    “making up” the credits—-as long as the student know the information, why not? Students learn differently.

    cost to each family—–It can get out of hand. No cost should be mandatory for an academic class. Clubs and extras are different.

    sufficient credits for graduation. —–With computers every class should be self paced. Every student in a class could be at a different point. When they are done, they are done. Some students could be a graduate in Math but an 8th grader in English. When they reach the end on all classes let them go. Assembly line education doesn't work when the parts are not all the same. It boors the top and leaves behind the bottom. Why should we hinder the top students?

    One final suggestion. The parents need to parent and not be a buddy to their student. The parents should assume the professionals know what they are doing (as they would with any other professional they hire) until proven wrong. The burden of proof should be on the child not the school. And parents need to institute discipline from age 1. Many students today are like a half broke horse. Sort of civilized but not totally. Do away with "time out" and give instant punishment and praise. Especially between the ages of 1 and 6. If a child isn't civilized by age 6 everyone (the parents, the school, future employers) are in for a rough time and a rough time for their entire class or work group.

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