Wednesday, February 27, 2002
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Wednesday, February 27, 2002 |
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High school an adult idea that is outdated, flawed I have been through three years of high school, and despite the constant assurances that "it is for our own good," I remain skeptical. Adults should face the fact they don't like adolescents and that they have used high school to isolate the pubescent and hormonally active adolescent away from both their picture-book idealized innocence of childhood and the harsher, rushed adult world of today. High school is not the supposed institute of learning, where the selfless teachers pour out the wisdom of the ages unto an eagerly awaiting crowd of adolescents. Instead it is a hole of cliques and the artificial intensity of a world defined by insiders and outsiders, which the insiders hold sway because of superficial definitions of good looks and attractiveness, popularity and sports ability. American youth mature more rapidly than ever before. The Internet provides a free window into adult ideas and rational [sic], while the ability to drive grants virtual freedom of movement. High school is designed to be an institute that matures students, rather than one that deals with students that are maturing "ahead of schedule." During the course of my education, I have looked into several alternatives. The most inspiring idea is that we abolish middle school, and students embark on four years of gradually specializing education, culminating with graduation at the age of 16. At 16, young Americans need to be taken seriously and to develop the motivations and interests that will serve us well in our adult life. We need to be allowed to interact freely, not separated in the lunchroom by the grade we are in. Adults need to face cultural and biological facts and not prolong the life of a flawed institution that is out of date. Sean McGwire Peachtree City
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