High school, graduation, and all that jazz... jazz?

Almost everyone is going for a high school diploma and that moment of fame where you shake a dozen hands, walk across the stage, and get handed a piece of paper while that one song we know all too well is playing. All that "miserable" schooling has culminated in this one moment in time. But what was that schooling worth to you? Some see school as a federal mandate, as in "I have to go to school," like they have no choice. Others see it it as a nonchalant, "School is ok," as in it could be worse, but it's not medieval torture. Still others see school as being "cool," giving reasons for their assertions that commonly involve how they like their classes.

Just as a general observation, those with optimistic outlooks seem to perform better on all the walks of life. Thus, those that enjoy school tend to do well if they wish to do so. We all have the freedom to choose which classes we'd like to take. Many people (excluding me) can say, "I only have 2 required classes as a senior, so I get to take all these other fun classes..." and they still graduate. They use school to put in classes they want to take, creating a positive environment, and succeed.

Now, as we all know, graduation requirements are in a constant state of inflation. It just never ends! One extra year of English here, a random half-year of financial literacy for those graduating in 2008 and beyond, and then the far more excessive requirements to be seen in just a few short years. I see two problems with this. First, students are limited on their class choices, and second, they are missing out in important opportunities that will affect their schooling and future careers.

Those who are in charge of the graduation requirements seem to see the elective classes as a necessary evil, and a pool from which to draw from in case they decide students aren't getting enough of the 'good stuff.' It is quite easy to see the good side of the higher requirements. Students required to take 4 years of English in high school won't be deficient in their own language when it's time to enter the 'real world.' Lots of math and science are good for any future occupation. The thing is, they fail to look at the cons to all this.

Sucking the blood out of elective courses pulls students into conflicts and difficult decisions. There are a great many of students in Utah who look Seminary as a necessary class, as much or moreso than English, math, or that dreaded PE class that is crucial for obtaining a diploma. Is it so terrible that students are allowed to leave the school campus and discuss values that would solve many problems in the world if lived? Analyzing texts, making connections, learning 'real life skills,' and developing good habits that will lead to responsible adulthood cannot only be learned in the public education system.

Seminary isn't the only beneficial elective. I am a 'band geek' by definition. I live in the band room, I have gotten a minimum of 2 fine arts credits every single year since 8th grade directly from band, and I love music and all facets thereof. Band is one thing I can count on looking forward to every single day. Dropping electives requires kids to drop out of band. If there's no one in band, what happens to the statewide music education system? Without anyone in it, it shatters. What if sports were pushed out of school by graduation requirements and teams all over fell apart because of not enough participation? What then? I guarantee you that people would not sit idly by the wayside and watch sports fall into oblivion, but music can be done away with it seems.

Can these people blatantly ignore statistics saying how beneficial music is to education? Let me shoot out some statistics here. I recently participated in the All-State Band. One of the directors that rehearsed us was talking about grades and school, and said, "Ok, I want all of you with a GPA over 3.7 to raise your hand." Every single hand went up but 1 or 2 out of the 80+ piece ensemble. "Raise your hand if you have a 4.0" Almost half the hands went up. Coincidence? Now look at the schedules of those people who are in band. Over half of the band has taken, or will take at least one AP class. Coincidence? It's not just band, either. Any musical class has very similar characteristics. Playing music exercises both hemispheres of the brain. The analytical, logical side is worked by counting rhythms and subdividing, practices which is literally math on the fly at a controlled speed. The creative, artistic side is flexed by adding nuance, phrasing, and emotion to music, and especially by improvising in jazz, or making up a solo as you go based on written chord changes. (Not a piece of cake). Band teahes you life skills such as teamwork, participation, leadership, determination, and committment.

However, band and seminary are not the only classes that will suffer. Think about all the people who are vigorously involved in auto mechanics, woods, welding, photography or any other art, and all these seemingly 'hidden' electives that no one really seems to know too much about unless you are involved. To an average lay student, "Band concert last night? Dance concert? Art show? Oh well... I had no idea, but I was probably too busy anyways." Students should be well-rounded in education, but well-rounded includes elective and academic classes. I sincerely hope we never arrive at the point where the public education system has laid out classes for us. Take a look at all the people that are actively involved in all these extracurricular and elective-related activities, especially band. As for me, I will be far exceeding the normal graduation requirements even with everything else I am doing. The case is the same with many others.

Instead of raising absolute rock-solid requirements, each individual should be worked with to satisfy their own needs and desires. If I were in the position where I had to take extra years of classes and I didn't enjoy school, I would be more inclined to drop out, especially with little to no chance of determining what my needs were and what I wanted to do. By the time my brother enters high school, he will be able to take 4 years of seminary, and 2 years of band during the remaining electives. What kind of selection is that? No room for a foreign language, no room for extra career-technology classes, and not even enough room to continue band all the way through.

I may sound like a critic of public education in general, but there is a great deal of good that goes on. The majority of teachers (all the ones I've ever had) are entirely dedicated to educating the kids they teach. Classes are great, and we have a safe environment to attend school. However, there are certain cases in life involving too much of a good thing. Graduation requirements that inhibit the choices and pursuit of education students should be entitled to, are, in fact, one of these such cases.