Math. Why are we learning about Algebra and Calculus? School is meant to prepare us for life. What kind of life requires me to be able to find the value of x? Algebra 1 makes sense to me because I do use some of the material covered that year in my every day life, but everything after that is so unnecessary. Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Calculus especially. I understand if you want to pursue a career that requires that amount of knowledge, but teach us this stuff in college, when it’s absolutely necessary to know this material.

 

Business. This should be emphasized much more than it is. Yes, high schools require at least one business credit to graduate, but a semester isn’t enough to teach about bills and taxes, especially when those two are what governs our lives most. I’m a Senior and I still have no idea what a mortgage is, or how to fill out my W1200 form or whatever it’s called. I’m nowhere near prepared to live on my own, but at least I know how to find the cosine of a 45 degree angle.

 

Pacing. What also bothers me about school is how we’re taught. The lesson book is made out to be a “one size fits all” kind of system. What the school board doesn’t seem to understand is that everyone learns at a different pace and in a different way. You can’t force those who learn slower than others to complete tasks at the same speed as those who were gifted with the ability to absorb information quickly. That’s asking for way too much.

 

Grades. The grading system can use some work too. This goes hand in hand with my previous point. Students are taught to feel shameful if they receive a bad grade, even if it’s not their fault. They can’t help that they learn at a slower rate than others. You shouldn’t punishment them for it. And it surely doesn’t make them unintelligent, but branding them with a bad GPA is basically giving off the same effect.

 

Teachers. Teachers should interact with the students and make the classroom a place for learning. Students can often be as passionate about a subject as teachers.

 

Future. Lastly, there needs to be more preparation for Seniors with college applications, scholarships, or anything that would help with their futures. I have no idea how to write a resume. These things were never taught to me, so I had to seek outside help. That’s just ridiculous. Applying for colleges, scholarships, and jobs are much tougher than they have to be because we are not prepared for them in school. If the past 12 years of my education were supposed to help me get ready for my future, why am I still so confused about how to even get started?