The Fabric of Schools

I have always found it both harmful and without merit that high schools, in particular, label their courses as either core or elective. It's as if 'core' is essential and can't be done without while 'electives' may be taken but they are somehow, in the minds of too many, less important. That is not the case!

Though I taught high school Business and Social Studies courses for a number of years, I can say that core and elective courses shouldn't have these labels. More important, for the sake of the students, why 'core' courses are often pushed over 'elective' ones is simply irresponsible and often harmful.

Oh, I know the argument, colleges and universities tell us that it is recommended that every student have four years of English, Math, Science, Social Studies and, perhaps, Foreign Languages. Let me be clear I am not making a case against any course of study. However, if a student were to take four years in each of the five subject areas then little time is left for Art, Business, Home Economics, Music, Physical Education, Shop, and Technical Education.

It's as if school 'elective' programs are treated as 'add on's' by some. We're fed the line that we ought to give the kids more Math, more English, more Science and they'll be more competitive.

Forget competitive!! Schools had better be in the business of helping young people grow, to find their voice, and to expose them to the world at large. Students need to be well rounded...plain and simple. And the day we start limiting their experiences is the day that the growth and well rounded student slowly goes away.

Sadly, we are already well on the track to limiting or eliminating some of our needed 'elective' courses and programs and because of that, the 'fabric of schools' has changed and it isn't necessarily for the better.

It is time for everyone in education, at all levels, to truly value the merits of ALL types of courses. There isn't a better course or program of study, they are all critically important to young people.

Dick Flesher