I was an average student, and I accepted that reality. My friends, many of whom excelled in honors classes, were aware of it too. However, I thrived in honors English – it was the one subject that made me enjoy school. Despite my efforts, I often felt embarrassed whenever the honors student lists were posted, as I never made the cut.
When I graduated, I didn’t receive one of those coveted ribbons for academic achievement, which left me feeling insignificant. Watching my son graduate without any honors recognition stirred similar emotions in me. None of my children frequently make the honor roll; it’s occurred a few times, but it’s not a regular occurrence. We are a family that’s comfortably average in academic performance, and I’ve come to terms with it. I want my children to embrace their own academic journeys, even if they differ from others.
Despite this, I still believe honors programs in high schools should be available, even if my children may never engage with them. The Vancouver School Board has recently decided to eliminate its honors programs in math and science, having phased out honors English a few years prior. The Globe and Mail reports that this decision is part of their commitment to equity and inclusion, allowing all students to engage fully with the curriculum.
While I understand the aim of promoting inclusivity, I also remember the discomfort of not being part of an honors program. That being said, I appreciated having a space where I could learn at my own pace, and I believe honors students deserve that same opportunity.
Natasha Reynolds, a mother with a daughter in the Vancouver School Board and an alum herself, shared her thoughts with the Globe and Mail, stating, “I find it puzzling that the VSB cites exclusion as a reason to eliminate these classes, as they were a safe space for students like me.” Many parents are concerned their children might not receive the challenges they need under the new curriculum, and I can relate to that concern. Just as I sought to have my son removed from a challenging chemistry class last year, other parents want to ensure their kids are appropriately challenged and placed in the right classes.
Every child learns differently, and it makes sense to offer various levels of classes to cater to diverse learning needs. Additionally, I wonder how this change will affect teachers. While I’m not an educator, it seems like a significant expectation to require one teacher to tailor their instruction for students with varying academic abilities. Isn’t that the very purpose of honors classes?
It’s crucial for students to understand that everyone learns at different paces – that it’s okay for some to excel while others take more time. If they don’t learn this early on, will they be confused in the workforce when they find themselves earning less than someone with more education or experience? Schools should maintain honors programs while also teaching students that these classes aren’t about superiority; they exist to provide tailored learning experiences for individual needs.
Dr. Lisa Green, an expert in special education, believes that teachers should be equipped to handle all learning levels but argues that eliminating honors programs isn’t the solution. “The focus should be on addressing equity within the program rather than canceling it,” she stated, noting that gifted students often get overlooked and may not receive the appropriate challenges they need.
In my view, all students stand to lose with the removal of honors programs. While I want my average kids to feel secure and valued at school, taking away resources for high-achieving students isn’t the answer. Just as students can become disengaged in overly difficult classes, those who aren’t challenged adequately can also lose interest in their education.
For more insights into parenting and education topics, check out this other blog post or learn more about artificial insemination, which is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in this topic, you might also want to explore engaged couple resources.
Search Queries:
- Vancouver high school honors program elimination
- Benefits of honors programs in high school
- Impact of removing honors classes
- Equity in education
- How to support gifted students
In summary, while the Vancouver School Board’s decision to eliminate honors programs aims to promote inclusivity, it raises concerns about the potential loss of tailored educational opportunities for all students. Maintaining these programs could provide necessary challenges for high-achieving students while fostering an understanding of diverse learning paces among their peers.