EDITOR: We appreciate the teachers, administrators and members
of the school board who have contributed to the valuable
educational experiences our children have received in the Morgan
Hill School District. We have been pleased with the expertise of
these educators who have provided exceptional instruction to
prepare students for the future.
EDITOR:
We appreciate the teachers, administrators and members of the school board who have contributed to the valuable educational experiences our children have received in the Morgan Hill School District. We have been pleased with the expertise of these educators who have provided exceptional instruction to prepare students for the future.
However, a recent decision has us perplexed: the MHSD School Board has approved the graduation requirement of a fourth year of social studies. This fourth year is not a University of California, California State University, or private college/university requirement.
We agree that, especially in light of recent world events, social studies education plays an important role in fostering valuable critical thinking skills. But, the students already have a three-year requirement in social studies. The standards-based coursework of these classes should encompass the skills and objectives necessary to have advanced thinking skills instilled in our students.
To us, a prime component of education is the opportunity it affords students to pursue new interests and skills, through elective courses, which may, in fact, influence their future educational and career goals. This new requirement would take the place of what could have been exposure to a year of electives. Since the fourth year of social studies is not a college or university requirement, then what purpose does it serve? Yes, some students might become more knowledgeable in social studies, but make it an elective for those who desire it.
We are often reminded by educators that high school students are young adults who must make choices. Requiring the fourth year of social studies works against this philosophy because it takes away from the decision-making skills of these young adults. Instead, strengthen the skills of Live Oak High School students by preparing them for the future with challenging advanced classes and a variety of electives.
Brian and Gloria Curtis,
Morgan Hill
Editor’s note: The graduation requirements issue returns Monday to the School Board during its regularly scheduled meeting that begins at 7 p.m. in the District Office, 15600 Concord Circle.
