I was surfing around here looking for some discussions to answer. I keep seeing discussions about high school and what people were like in high school and how some hated it and some loved it.
High School was good for me, I was content there and I went to a good one. I had friends, learned what I was supposed and was impacted by a teacher who nurtured my writing abilities. To this day, I'm grateful for her and all that she taught me.
That teacher was probably the best part of high school for me. She was amazing and taught me so much.
As I was thinking about some of these high school discussions, the fact that American school are out of whack which leads me to this question.
Look at this from your own high school perspective or maybe you have kids in high school.
If you had your chance to build a perfect high school what would you include and what would you leave out?? It could be anything that you would change about a current high school that you went to or one that your kids go to now.
This was just a random thought.
So how would you build a "perfect", in your opinion, high school??
For me, I would have every teacher that was like my high school writing teacher. Teachers who actually get involved and nurture one's ability to take it as far as they can while making you a better person in that subject. Basically, teachers that don't give up on their kids.
Thanks for reading.
[question posted by skinnychick]
responses and comments:
i really didn't dislike or like my highschool i was like in the middle to be honest with you because i really didn't like having to go everyday and not having the time ot do much else...and if it were me i would build a hs that included the best things and not make the kids go so long and i would have a policy against bullying and all of that because i saw a lot of that in my old high school and i really didn't like it then.. jhl930 [jhl930]
There are laws on bullying in our state but the schools rarely enforce them. Even when parents complain. I think it's just another law that a state can list saying "Oh, we're here for our children." but they still do no good because there isn't a school district that I know of that will stand up and say "This isn't right." Not a lot of school are boat rockers. The laws are there, but no one is willing to rock the boat. [ljegbers]
I have issues with institutionalized learning. If I had more patience I would home school my kids. I hated high school and couldn't wait to get out and work for a living in a job where I wouldn't need to know who the 17th president of the US was, or the Pythagorean theorem. This is exactly why I never went to college. I didn't want a well rounded education. I didn't see the need to learn linear algebra to be a journalist, or to take a political science class to study to be a marine biologist. Not to mention the requirements of becoming an attorney. So I would like to respond to your question but I simply can't. Burn them all down and home school your kids just doesn't seem like what you were looking for as a comment :) [cynicalandoutspoken]
Nice job...I would be so lost with that math! I'm horrible at it! :) [skinnychick]
SkinnyC, I agree with you here that good teachers make all of the difference in the world to a good education and great school experience. Much of my bad times came from the division of the HAVES and the HAVE nots. I spent an extraordinary amount of time, defending friends who were so poor they barely had shoes on their feet. Its one of the reasons I am an advocate for school uniforms. So many teachers turned a blind eye to the plight of the lesser advantaged children. I was somewhat in the middle, we were far from even being middle class but my mother did a good job with second hand stores and k-mart with Clothing us. I guess for me I would have to endeavor to break down those class walls. Class as in social classes. [Angelwhispers]
Great answer!! Very nice and uniforms would be easier and better for those with less. It would also keep kids from wearing skanky clothing that they shouldn't be wearing at that age but their parents let them do it anyway. Thanks so much for the thoughtful response! :) [skinnychick]
My old high school was like a large run down place when i went there to study... but nowadays... everytime i pass by there... i see a lot of improvements... new buildings... state of the art laboratories... and great teachers... just like the teachers that i had before... so the only thing that i would want for my school is for it to remain affordable for all those who cannot afford to study in expensive exclusive schools... [aseretdd]
That would be great a nice affordable school with higher standards for teachers. Thanks for the response! [skinnychick]
Along with dedicated teachers the perfect school for me would also have standards which would have to be adhered to by both staudents and their parents. Too often this parent and that parent think that they should step in and force the schools to conform to their way of life so that it suits them and their children. I believe that plays a huge part in the break down of discipline that is so prevalent in schools today. The hands of the schools are literally tied while students have the run of the mill. So many parents refuse to take responsibility for the action of their children and will go around finding fault and correcting everyone but their own child. There is the parent who thinks its ok for their child to bully another child because to them its just part of life and should their child suffer the fate they rant and rave about the school doing nothing about it. Bullied and being constantly ridiculed and feeling like an out cast seems to lie at the heart of the major school shootings which have taken place. I would see to it that that was a number one enforced Do Not rule. Both rich and poor should feel at home in a school and no parent should be allowed to ditate otherwise for their own selfish means. Our society does not fare well from poeple trying to step on each other and the same is true for the schools. My one problem at high school was boisterous boys. I hated it so much I went to an all girls college just to escape them for awhile. (lol)_ [tjades]
LOL...about the boys! You made a great point about parents. What's so sad is that it is completely true for many though not all. Bullying is a huge one for me as well, it just isn't right and needs to be made a no tolerance policy absolutely!! Thanks for the thoughtful response! [skinnychick]
me personally i didn't like high school well except for on a few occasions mostly i guess coz i was shy i didn;t like to participate in class i had friends but i had friends out of school too i really enjoyed gym like i guess most guys did but i found it to be lame never getting to play the good sports we all liked, but got stuck doing exercise and badminton grr oh and climbing the darn rope easy as pie but where is the fun? i don't know how i'd make the perfect school i'm sure i couldn't even make a good one but the teachers would have to be of the caring sort activities would be a must. speaking of high school my son starts at my old high school next year, i can hear the admins now oh boy ... not another one! [Esoteric1]
Thanks for the response! [skinnychick]
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 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. 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. Third, I would expand the hours of operation, not requiring students or faculty be 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. I special set of classes that are taught by non-biased, well educated, religious scholars. 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. 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??? [edgyk8inmomma]
hehehe, thanks, I'm blushing now. [edgyk8inmomma]
LOL - When I think of High School, all I can say is "I did my time and then got on with what was really important."The perfect high school....that's a large ticket to fill really. I think for starters there is a great need for uniforms. Oh, please poeple, don't boo me yet! I noticed that several kids were picked on because of financial status. Sad but it's a common fact. If everyone were dressed the same there would be this feeling or feeling imposed on another person that they are inferior due to finances. I'm all for personall expression through character of clothing, but todays dress (even with dress codes) are sloppy, sluttty and very inappropriate for our younger children. I also think that there should be a life class available as a manditory class for graduation, even if you drop out, it's a requirement. In this class it deals with resumes, interviews, dealing with social pressures in and out of school and even in the work force. Open some eyes to how the "real" world does function and how it can be made better through giving them options. You wouldn't belive how many Seniors I talked to going to college this fall that didn't know you can go to your Department of Utilities and get a years expenses on a potential rental of a house or appartment. Can you imagin signing a lease for a "cheap" place and then pay through the nose because the place had high utilities?I also think that there should be more emphasis on acedemics over sports. Hey, I'm all for team spirit, but you have to be failing a class to get on acedemice probation from sports. Wny can't you say anything below a C and sorry, you can't play. This would encourage more study time and to strive for a better future. Did you know that there are All-Conference Basketball, Volleyball and Football players out there from high school that are just looking for a free ride through college. I don't have to be smart because I play a sport. Don't tell me it's out there because I KNOW kids that have been this way. I think that our school systems shouldn't be so quick to put children into "special education". Right now you either or a self starter or you're a help me case. There is no gray area for the kids that need more one on one teaching. I'm not for separation of children because of acedemics. I'm all for more advanced classes being avaible for those who do excel, but there shouldn't be the classic "dumb kids classes". There should be a tutor assigned to a study hall room - some some aid that give children all the answers, but a person that actually can explain and help the children. I know, I know, every school has one, but to be honest, with all the school districts that I talk too (and that's several) these assigned teachers are nothing more than a hall monitor turned aid to watch over these kids as they struggle through their classes. It should also be MANDITORY for all teachers to be phycologically (I misspelled that) profiled. How many of us had teachers out there that didn't have a passion for it just wanted a 8:30 to 4:00 job and the summers off. They're riding the system and coasting, not caring if they make a difference or not. To be honest with all the child/teacher relationships we've been hearing about and teachers that treate children nasty, this could be weeded out through profiling. Hey, they have to do it for adoptive and foster care why can't it be done for our children too???I'm sure there is more that I can think of here, but this would be a great start. I've tried hard to keep this on a logical stand point and not on a personal note because of all the horrors we've had with our public school. So, skinny, I'm hoping this makes sense. [ljegbers]
Cmofi123, I'm not from CA, but know all that is going on there. Our state NE is now fighting for the right of separation of Church and School because our state is attacking homeschool. There were over 1,200 homeschoolers that met at our state capital to protest. Amoung these protesters were Doctors, Lawyers, Surgeons and Business persons all that came from a homeschool environment. Each stating that they could not credit their profession, drive or successes other than that they were homeschooled. These protesters were fighting for the rights of religion and teaching under God's theory - not evolution. The first round was considered a win. There are Senators that support it but stated that it has to be won by the poeple because once won by the people, not an act of a Congress can it be overturned. Once we win, we win. It's a fight here and as far as I'm concerened the gloves are off! [ljegbers]
Aperfect high school, an affordable one where everyone can enroll, full of activities to develop students abilities, skills and talents,great teacher force, motivated enough in theri respective field, small class size so there is an individual attention given to the kids,conducive classroom, green environment! I was in public high school before so didn't like the environment much! [checapricorn]
Thanks so much for the response! [skinnychick]
I hated High School mainly because my mom will not allowed my dad, to buy me clothes. So every week I will wear the same thing by the 5th day I had to repeat clothe. I hated it because of that, now academically I loved it, as much as I had great teachers I had bad ones. The perfect High School for me will be: 1. Less student's in a classroom 2. 1 teacher and 1 teacher assistant 3. Teachers salary should be based on academic achievement of his students. Why ( When I was in school many teachers will said, "I don't care if you don't learn this stuff I still get paid.") This way they will care about their student's learning. 4.Enhance high security level at all times. This will prevent fights and vandalism. 5.Don't kick student's out from school when they have committed an offense. Instead keep them in one classroom (as it was detention) as if he was taking home studies so he will complete his assignments. Why? (when students know that they will get kick out from school they tend to do this things on purpose, so they don't have to come to school anymore, now having this kind of program I can assure they won't want to go down this route. It's kind of reverse psychology. [cmofi123]
Cmofi, my step son was place in inschool (kind of common for him) BUT he was locked in a room with his back to the door and he didn't get a bathroom break or a break for lunch. Schools are taking too much power from the parents and wanting to take over our children. I sincerely hope that people see through all the political stuff this year and don't vote for Clinton. She is a big pusher for state funded healthcare for minors still in the school system. This would mean manditory immunizations (regardless of parental concent) and would give our public schools more power over the parents because it could completely wide the slate clean of homeschool. Did you know there are only 5 states in the entire United States that still allow freedom of religion in teaching your children?? Most people don't. What's going on in CA is just another drop in the bucket, but what the population of CA needs to know is it has to be faught by the people so once homeschool is approved, no government act can overturn a parents right to educate their children. [ljegbers]
I would have to say that I enjoyed most of high school. There were definatly those teachers that still stand out in my mind. If I had to build the perfect school, it would start on the beach. On the beach where you could take classes outside in the sun with the fresh, clean, crisp, salty, air. The school would be totally hands on. Instead of reading a book and taking a test on it. It would be read a book and do a project. We would actually measure the class room to figure out the square footage of it. The school would have a cafiteria of good foods not just junk. There would be a work out room for the kids to ENJOY after school. There would be classes about parenting, housekeeping, being a spouse, how to manage a checkbook, what a credit card REALLY is, public speaking. Things that actually pertain to life. Things that kids should be taught at home but some aren't. You would also have to learn how to add 3 + 3 with OUT a calculator. Kids would acutally have to read instead of going to get the book on DVD. I would want the school to be more fun. Learning can be fun if you get the right teacher. Thanks I think I'll open a school now lol! [ebsharer]
I love it! Thanks for the response! How great would that school be if you were to open one like it! It would be a blast while actually learning life skills. [skinnychick]
That's not a weird question, it's an excellent one. For my perfect school I'd want the same as you said, for every teacher to be like the one you remember so well and like a few I remember also - teachers who don't give up on their kids, teachers who can make their subject fun and interesting. Another thing, in these days of school violence, we need schools where our kids are better protected and where troubled students are dealt with before they turn to violence. Bullies must be dealt with immediately and not tolerated. I'm all for - sorry, kids! - a reasonable dress code that's actually enforced or school uniforms which would do away with the "class warfare" that exists in many schools. A school in my area switched to school uniforms a few years ago causing many parents and kids alike to be up in arms but now it's working out quite nicely. I'd also like the see the curricula become more flexible. All students need to know how to read and write well, obviously, and to have at least basic math skills but let's face it, how many of some of the other crap we learned in school have we ever actually used? There should be some kind of a "real life skills" course taught, possibly instead of making all students take biology, chemistry or ancient history. Annie [anniepa]
I know, biology is necessary for some students depending on what they're planning on doing in the future. However, that frog I had to dissect didn't benefit neither me nor the frog one bit...lol! Annie [anniepa]