The changes students want

We asked our Educators Rising students to tell us what changes they think schools should be making.

 

Assessments

I think schools should make changes in regard to methods of assessment. There are so many different types of assessments out there, yet many schools are sticking with standardized testing when there might be other methods that are more beneficial for students and may be better for our schools in the future.

Recently my school changed the methods used in biology. They changed from standardized ABCD scoring to a 1234 scale. This was more difficult for some students; however, it has ultimately increased their critical-thinking skills, helping them later.

Brooke Hess
12th grade
Sheboygan North High School
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

 

Understand students

I feel schools should have evaluations and help kids who are in need and find out why they act the way they do.

Hailey Calderon
12th grade
Lafayette County High School
Stamps, Arkansas

 

More inclusion

My school has a diversity and inclusion office, and I think it is important for every school to have one. They host many events so every student feels welcomed. My favorite is when they do “hot topics” where we can discuss anything considered controversial in a safe space.

Milan Aranda
Freshman
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, Missouri

Align with colleges

 

I think schools (specifically secondary schools) should be changing their curriculum to match up with the college curriculum. I think they should do this because it helps students figure out what possible career they plan to pursue.

Elbert Earl Thomas
12th grade
Yazoo County High
Yazoo City, Mississippi

 

This article appears in the March 2024 issue of Kappan, Vol. 105, No. 6, p. 67.