Do I have to take math next year? This is a question I have grown to love. My answer is always an emphatic “yes”!
Why wouldn’t a student want to continue their studies in math? Why wouldn’t a parent encourage their child to take a math class their senior year? Of course the requirements for graduation only require three years of math, but how can a student be successful in a college math course if they have not studied the subject for over a year? How can they expect to score well on the math portion of the SAT or ACT without keeping that part of their brain active? Certainly they have to take a math class!
“But, I hate math!” is the response, or “Math is my worst subject”. My response is usually, “Good, then you might want to consider doubling up on your math efforts to help find success so that it becomes easier and more enjoyable.” After three years at my current school, students whom I have had in past years will answer the question for me. “Do I have to take math next year?” “Not technically, but Mrs. Walls is NOT going to let you get out of it!”
This concept does not just apply to math, but all academic subjects. Our highest achieving students (those going straight to a 4-year university) are going to take the extra classes anyway because they know they need the academic credits on their transcripts. But the large group of students beginning at the local community college may consider taking the easy route their senior year (English and Government/Economics only). However, these students need the math and science courses even more to help them become successful in college. They still have to complete the core curriculum at college where they will face all the academic subjects again, like it or not. So why would I, as a teacher preparing students for their future, allow them to skip out on a year of math? I won’t and I don’t, and I make sure my students understand why!
Sometimes it is hard . . .I’ve had to call parents and explain why I believe their child should take a course like Trigonometry even though the direct subject matter may not help in their future career as a politician, day care provider, or professional performer. And I don’t always win. But I have had numerous students return and thank me for “making” them take the extra course; they are starting to see my reasoning in their lives.
So, don’t give in! Do they have to take that next course to graduate? Maybe not. Do they have to take that next course to prepare for their career? Maybe not. Do they have to take that next course? YES, they do!
