Standing in front of the school counselor flooded with frustration, a student tries to change classes to ones that would help them succeed in their path after high school. Instead, the school counselor told the student that math, science, english and social studies must be completed first before choosing electives. The student opens the door and walks out of the office with disappointment. Instead of having a schedule filled with classes that are irrelevant to a student’s life after school, everyone should be able to pick classes based on their future college and career.

At MCHS, the current number of credits in order for a student to graduate are 24. This includes 3.0 credits of science (biology, chemistry, physics), 2.5 credits of social science with each grade level being assigned a specific course, 3.5 credits of physical education and a addition 0.5 health education, another 3.0 credits of mathematics (one algebra and one geometry content), 4.0 credits of english (one with intense writing) and lastly 0.5 credit of consumer education. This adds to a total of 17 credits and leaves only seven credits left for students to choose their classes in a total of four years. 

According to Northwest Missourian, “General education classes are known to make students more well rounded in school. Instead it is more likely to turn teenagers into stressed out students because of the time and energy it wastes” General education does not allow students to put their focus on the classes that will help them prepare for their future. A survey conducted on a social media platform showed that 78% of students find that gen ed classes take up more than half of their homework after school which leads to more stress and extra work. 

Core classes are not beneficial to student grades. A survey conducted showed that 89% of students think their grades are more outstanding in their career focused classes than in the core classes. Core classes can be challenging to students at times and can be very discouraging. Students find that their chosen classes are way more interesting and useful. “The elective classes that I got to choose were classes that I generally enjoyed, ” explained a senior. Career-based classes improve a students academic performance more.

Some may argue that general education classes are way more important than career classes and that they should be implemented into all four years of one’s education for common knowledge. On the other hand it cannot provide students with career focused education as well as career based classes can. The basic skills on one’s knowledge are taught in elementary school and junior high, and when in high school a student should move to the path of choosing classes that are helpful for after high school. Classes such as math, science, english, and history should be offered but to an extent. To prepare for life after highschool removing core classes would push students to explore new things and create innovative ideas.

At MCHS the curriculum focuses on classes that provide basic needs and education for all different people. This school does not provide students to choose their desired classes that will help them with their distinct career after graduation. Career focused classes will help students grow and experiment with all different techniques and ideas. This will also help them pursue their aspiring dreams and goals for the future. Changing the school curriculum will have a big impact on the lives of MCHS students.