By Mariya Kalashnikova
Fact Checker

School just isn’t what it used to be. Taking a class isn’t a matter of just signing up or even qualifying. Scheduling problems have become more acute than in previous years, preventing many students from taking the classes they want.
One of the biggest problems for students this year has been the ill-devised master schedule. There is a conflict with students wishing to take Calculus and English AP, according to the administration. Furthermore, students who dropped United States History AP I or Algebra II Honors have found it difficult for them to find room in the regular sections.
“The master schedule is built on student demand,” Principal Wynne Satterwhite said.
Yet, if this is the case, then why are students so limited in their choices? For several years, ASB, acting, orchestra and journalism have all been offered sixth period. This means that a talented violinist can’t write for the school newspaper or participate in the leadership program. It used to be that all electives, including Mainstreet and yearbook, were offered sixth period.
“There were a couple of reasons, and one was to keep students from over-committing,” Satterwhite said.
It isn’t right that everywhere one turns there are restrictions. High school is a time for exploration, so students should be encouraged to try everything and get involved in the school. Yet the master schedule doesn’t allow for such experimentation. Students should be trusted to make their own decisions and face their own consequences.
Families come to this area specifically for the schools and pay an additional Los Altos School District parcel tax so that their children may attend one of the best schools in the state. Shouldn’t their needs be met?
One alternative that the school offers is the adult education program where students work individually with tutors to take a class.
“That program used to be a lot bigger, but because of budget cuts...they cut that program smaller,” Satterwhite said.
Although adult education is a good idea, as it stands, its curriculum is too restricted to be of real use to the majority of students.
Another answer to scheduling problems is independent study. In such a program, students complete all the same work on their own as someone who physically attends class everyday.
“Our policy from the administrative point of view is that we don’t do independent study,” Satterwhite said.
Thus, another discouraging message is communicated. Students are not trusted to learn on their own. Granted, independent study is not right for everyone. But if there are students with good academic records, indicating drive, motivation and a special interest in the area of study, they should be given the opportunity of independent study.
The school should try harder to provide for the needs of its students. Rather than immediately referring them to online classes or community colleges, counselors and administrators should first look into alternatives available through the school. If a large number of students are dissatisfied with the schedule, this should be taken as an indication that something is wrong. The administration should reevaluate the current schedule. New classes could be created, independent study could be offered and revisions for second semester could be made. Something should be done to indicate to the students that the school cares about their learning.