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Why eliminating AS English 1 is the wrong move
SCOT SCOOP
SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL
Trustees hold back on making changes like reinstituting removed honors classes
Advanced Standing (AS) English 1 was cut for freshmen last year. This was the wrong decision.
Detracking is a major political issue within our district, and primarily because it is deeply relevant to all SUHSD students.
While students and parents have been considered “stakeholders” in the direction and governance of SUHSD, Students First has not seen the unique voice of student concerns and their parents consulted or represented. Students First wants to help address the ongoing need to collect and share the perspectives of students and their families on key issues facing the District.
We lift the voices of SUHSD students and parents.
We are a grassroots coalition of student advocates, made up of current and prospective students, parents, teachers and community members who are committed to public education and believe students' needs should be prioritized. Many of our parents are also active volunteers in SUHSD schools including PTAs, Boosters, Education Foundations, Sports Teams, Performing Arts and Site Councils.
We believe the promise of a healthy & diverse public high school includes elevating the voices of all stakeholders, including students and their parents. We also advocate for SUHSD Board and administration transparency in their deliberations and decisions that affect students. While we acknowledge that SUHSD Board, Administration, and Staff generally share our pro-student positions, there are times when we may hold divergent views on specific ends/means such that inclusion of our key stakeholder viewpoint is critical to inform optimal decision-making. We want to facilitate that exchange in a mutually respectful, well-articulated and constructive way.
We coalesce and activate on an ad hoc basis around significant issues and opportunities affecting SUHSD students.
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At SUHSD Students First, we're passionate advocates for excellence in education, a diverse coalition of parents, teachers, students, and community members who are taking a stand for quality and rigor in our local schools. We are deeply concerned about the Sequoia Union High School District administration's decision to eliminate honors/AS courses at high schools across the district
Current research shows us that these honors/AS courses are crucial, not only for advanced learning but for fostering an educational environment that motivates all students to strive for their best. A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that "students induced to take advanced courses by the policy change...earn better grades in subsequent coursework" (Dougherty, Goodman, Hill, Litke, & Page, 2015). In essence, advanced courses raise the bar for everyone, inspiring higher achievement across the board.
The elimination of these honors/AS courses does not support educational equity; instead, it imposes a ceiling on our students' aspirations and achievements. Instead of removing these challenging classes, we should strive to improve access and support for all students to achieve at high levels. We at SUHSD Students First firmly believe in an inclusive, comprehensive education system that encourages every student to strive for excellence. It's time for us to unite and stand against the move that threatens to compromise our children's future. Let's ensure our district keeps the 'honor' in our education system.
