As I reflect on the joys of watching another class of high school seniors enter their final year of public education and move on to their adult lives, I hope that I have helped these young people understand and appreciate the importance of education in their lives.
As an educator, I have experienced first-hand that students who are engaged with their schoolwork are more likely to embrace higher education opportunities and, moreover, succeed in life. I believe it is critical that Wyoming students have a chance to expand their minds with foreign language classes, arts and music electives, Advanced Placement courses, and extracurricular activities.
Studies show that students who receive music education tend to grow intellectually in math and reading, often scoring better than they did before taking music classes. Recent advances in education technology have opened doors for students who previously did not have access to this type of curriculum. For example, the Juilliard eLearning in partnership with Connections Academy gives students the option to take virtual music courses based on a curriculum developed by professors and musicians at the world-renowned Juilliard School in New York.
In addition to music education, there is a long history of research showing that bilingual children are likely to excel in language arts education. A 2009 study published by the European Commission linked multilingualism and creativity and complex thought organization. Though popular foreign languages such as Spanish and French are typically available to high school students, younger students often do not have early access to these courses. In addition, languages such as Chinese or sign language can be difficult for educators to offer at any grade level. Like arts and music, it is important to have a diverse range of foreign-language classes accessible to all students.
Advanced Placement classes can also be powerful tools to engage and advance students seeking greater academic challenges. In Wyoming, only 19.5 percent of students took AP classes in 2012, compared to the national average of 33 percent. Across the country, AP classes have long been cited as having benefits for students beyond their high school years. According to a 2007 study, students who took one or more AP tests achieved higher college GPAs and were more likely to graduate in four years or less.
One of my ninth grade students, Ariane, is only 12 years old, but she's already a shining example of how elective and advanced courses can propel a child's interest and engagement. At her young age, Ariane is taking high school Advanced Placement courses. In addition to the core curriculum, she stimulates her learning with elective classes including Latin, American Sign Language and Chinese. Ariane's father, Pete, understands the importance of keeping his gifted daughter challenged and engaged with her education. They worked hard to find a school with a variety of learning opportunities that would allow Ariane to take additional elective courses. After thoughtful research and consideration, they decided that virtual school was the best route to help her flourish.
Having a student who is eager to expand his or her mind through music education, foreign languages and elective courses is a true gift. There are many opportunities and resources available to help parents identify and evaluate education options for their children. With supplemental online courses, full-time virtual schools and outstanding instructors committed to their students' success, the future is brighter than ever before for Wyoming's youth. It's up to us as mentors, parents, teachers and friends to empower them to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.
Visit Wyoming Connections Academy at www.connectionsacademy.com/wyoming-school/home.aspx.
nnew3670ed 13 Aug, 2013
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Source: http://www.educationnews.com/2013/08/13/wyoming-students-seserve-expanded-education-opportunities/
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