Standing in front of classmates and administrators, sophomores from Ben Roth Shank’s English 10 class proposed their aspirations for education. From flexible scheduling, more opportunities for outside-of-the-classroom learning, to improved vision for homework, these dreams of the sophomores tap into an important vein—the ever present drive to improve education. While EMS may be exempt from the vagaries of state-mandated testing, we do not exempt ourselves from the desire to ensure that our students experience excellence in the classroom. This drive means that we continually ask ourselves, “What might we do differently especially in light of who young people are and what they face in their future?”
The response to this question fosters important reflection upon several topics:
- Ten-point grading scale: Currently a task force is seeking to know if moving this direction will best help our students as they apply to college.
- Online learning: Many students supplement their learning with online courses. This year we have had 27 students (15% of the high school) explore accredited computer courses to earn credit. Online learning is likely to be required for them in the future, so we want to ensure that our students have the chance now to experience this kind of learning.
- Experiential learning: For decades, EMS has valued moving students beyond the classroom. We continue to make this a key feature of our program. Children at all levels have the opportunity to hear, see, and do firsthand.
- Customized learning: This term may mean different things to different people. At EMS, especially at the high school, we value working with each student to craft a course of studies that will allow them to explore their interests, be appropriately challenged, and discern best fit careers as future possibilities.
- In addition to these topics, the school is exploring what alternative scheduling options might mean for our students, which might allow some of the ideas the sophomores shared to become part of our programming. We covet your prayers as we consider the future even as we celebrate nearly 100 years of education for students in the Valley.
