About the author
Qaid Hassan was an intern at the Notebook this summer.
Students suggest curriculum changes
by Qaid Hassan
Philadelphia's public schools students have had few opportunities to express their views about changes they'd like to see in the curriculum. Given that opportunity by the Notebook, five Philadelphia students talked about issues like the need for individual support and higher-level coursework.
Jessica Lee, an 11th grader at Mastbaum, notes, "If my school would go up against Central right now I would feel discouraged." But she adds that with a standardized curriculum, "I might be as prepared as a Central student."
Hakeem Williams, an 11th grader at William Penn, wonders about the effectiveness of standardization. He says, "People are different. Teachers might have to drop down a notch for one kid, and another kid might need more engaging and challenging material. More students would probably fail."
Anthony Scott, an eighth grader at Barratt Middle School, says that students "get a little angry because they can't understand the material sometimes. If I got a little help, then I might be able to work harder."
Scott also observes, "Teachers need assistants. When we need help in class, a teacher can't be everywhere, and so I think a teacher needs someone in the class to help out."
"I think homework classes or tutoring would be good," Scott adds.
His brother, Aaron Scott, a Barratt sixth grader, says, "I would like to see foreign languages as a part of the course offerings."
"I want to learn how to do algebra," he adds. Aaron says having individualized instruction assists him in learning.
Twelfth grader Stonie McMorris would like to see "more AP classes" at West Philadelphia. "The majority of the workload isn't demanding," he explains.
"Too many teachers give out good grades not based on merit but on students' attendance," he said. "And there is one teacher students refer to as 'Blockbuster' because he puts on movies all of the time."
Asked what changes are needed, McMorris says, "Everyone has to take a hand in the process."