Missed opportunities in High School

As I talk with high school students I am always surprised to hear about early release or even the many study halls they are in during the day.   Especially in a student’s senior year.   Often graduation requirements are being fulfilled in a few periods, so the student opts to leave early.  While I definitely see the value of after school jobs for young people, I think there is a missed opportunity to take advantage of the many electives high schools offer.  These classes can expose them to a career or interest they aren’t even aware of.   

Here is a list of the many electives I found while browsing a few local high school curriculum handbooks.   I would love to see more students enroll in these electives and take advantage of these learning experiences before they are paying college tuition to explore!  

PUBLIC SPEAKING                             CREATIVE WRITING

CRIMINAL JUSTICE                             PSYCHOLOGY

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE              FORENSICS

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY                 FASHION DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGN                                        INTRO TO COMPUTER SECURITY

CYBER SECURITY                                        TECHNICAL DRAWING

ARCHITECTURE                                           INTERIOR DESIGN

ANIMATION                                                    GAME DESIGN

COMPUTER HARDWARE                             ROBOTICS

PRE-ENGINEERING                                      SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING

ACCOUNTING                                             EVENT PLANNING AND MARKETING

ADVANCED FOOD & BEVERAGE       

BASIC ELECTRICITY & ELECTRONICS

3D ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN                  HOME REPAIR & MAINTENANCE