The educational system is meant to be a system that sets you up for success. The entire program is about advancing a student into four categories after graduation: employed, enlisted, enrolled, or entrepreneur. Even so, many students simply go through the system without ever having to put in much effort, with the majority of these students being in regular classes. This poses the question of whether honor classes should be the bare minimum.
With the state of the school system, it is clear that honor classes should be the bare minimum.
When looking at the difference between honor classes and regular classes, the main difference is that regular classes do not hold students to a standard. Honor students learn from the brink of high school that they have to put in effort if they want to pass their classes. This causes them to learn and develop study techniques, time management, and educational skills that help prepare them not only for their high school assignments but also for college. Regular classes do not provide the same incentive. This is an issue because when students in regular classes decide to go to college, they are not prepared.
Many students fail to see that college is 20% in-class education and 80% independent learning. This means that while lectures provide foundational knowledge, the majority of their education will come from their own ability to complete assignments with only simple instructions given by the instructor. This further supports the notion that honor classes should be the bare minimum.
Honor classes also provide critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as the class does challenge the student. These are crucial skills to have in life and in any future endeavor the student chooses to pursue, particularly in the four main categories listed above. In every category, one must think in a fast-paced environment, whether that is at a job, in the military, in college, or even exploring an entrepreneurial path. Regular classes do not challenge students, nor do they allow them to work in an intense environment. This leaves them unable to push past what they already know.
Another issue is that many students in regular classes are constantly unaware of how many opportunities they are missing. Regular classes do not encourage students to do their own research or figure out issues independently. This leaves students waiting to be told what to do, from choosing classes to participating in activities. Honor students, on the other hand, are always looking for ways to expand their knowledge and strive toward educational goals that many students in regular classes may not even know are possible. For example, honor students often aim to achieve a high GPA. Having a high GPA is crucial for many scholarships, college applications, and even job success when they first begin working, as employers want to know their employees are reliable. Yet many students in regular classes do not realize this until it is too late.
Some people argue that honor classes should not be the minimum because it might cause students to fall behind or struggle more, potentially leading to increased stress. They believe that not all students are ready for such an environment and that pushing everyone into honor classes could be counterproductive.
While this concern is understandable, the reality is that honor classes are designed to challenge students and foster essential skills like critical thinking and independence. These skills are crucial for success beyond high school. With the right support and resources, students who initially find honor classes difficult can adapt and grow stronger.
Ultimately, setting honor classes as the minimum standard ensures that all students are adequately prepared for college, careers, and life challenges, rather than being left unprepared because standards are too low.
