For high schoolers in a New York suburb, choosing next semester’s classes just got a little more interesting.
According to a recent article in the New York Times, the students at Pelham Memorial High School can now have 17 new electives to choose from, adding the spice of life to a pure academic schedule.
“Now, budding musicians take guitar lessons, amateur war historians re-enact military battles, and future engineers build solar-powered cars — all during school hours, and for credit,” writes Times reporter Winnie Hu.
After the No Child Left Behind Act, many elective programs were replaced with more math and science options, to ready students for the rigors of federal testing. Administrators say they hope the added electives keep seniors interested in school.
- How many electives are offered at your high school? How many were there last year? How many does your rival school offer?
- What electives have been dropped or added in the last year? Since five years ago? Ten years ago?
- Ask students which electives they would most like to see offered, creating an infobox with your survey responses
Maybe your article will spark talks of adding an advanced breakdancing course as an elective?
