Electives
Curriculum
Reports
Journalism Education: Results of a National Survey
This report examines survey results regarding student interest in journalism and challenges related to censorship and student press freedom.
Curriculum
Texas Rejects Mexican-American Textbook But Will Consider Elective Course (Again)
The Texas State Board of Education last week voted against a proposed Mexican-American textbook, but agreed to discuss in January the option of creating an elective course in Mexican-American studies instead.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Are Electives Really Student Choice?
As we plan our classes for students, we must consider their role in the learning. What are we putting in their hands and how can we do it as often as possible? All of school should be elective.
Science
Computer Science: Not Just an Elective Anymore
The subject is getting a fresh look from state and local policymakers, with many pushing measures to expand access to computing courses.
College & Workforce Readiness
Computer Science Moves Past 'Elective' Status in Washington State
Washington is the 10th state to enact a policy that awards students a math or science credit for successfully completing AP computer science.
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
Giving Reading and Writing Instruction a French Twist
A French teacher says foreign-language and other electives teachers are uniquely placed to give students enrichment opportunities that help expand literacy skills.
Teaching Profession
Teacher Leaders Network
Why Electives Matter
Too often excluded from collaborative opportunities, electives teachers can be more effective when they tie their instruction to what students are learning in core classes, writes Susan “Ernie” Rambo.
Federal
District Survey Shows Cuts in Textbooks, Electives, Field Trips
A new survey of school district officials suggests that cuts are on the rise for academic interventions, electives, textbooks, and field trips.
Education
Beyond Electives
This commentary on edweek.org is a good example of how classes outside of a core curriculum can have a major impact on students' motivation levels in all classes. The author, Patrick Boyle, talks about how taking a few film classes in high school sparked a love for movies and opened the door to an interest in history and culture. He says:
Assessment
Taking Weight off GPAs With Electives
The Wylie, Texas, school district is no longer counting electives in GPA calculations.
Student Well-Being
Electives Getting the Boot? It Depends on Where and What
Backers of time-honored electives ranging from band to consumer sciences fear they are being crowded out of the school day as districts, facing tougher state and federal requirements, devote more time and money to core academic subjects.
Law & Courts
Alabama Lawmakers Push Elective on Bible’s Role in History, Literature
Alabama may be in the Bible Belt, but some there are finding that creating a state-approved course for public schools on the Good Book might not be easy.
Education
A National Roundup
Texas School District Adopts Bible-Based Elective Program
A school board in Odessa, Texas, has approved a curriculum for an elective course that uses the Bible as its main textbook, a decision opponents fear invites proselytizing and snubs non-Protestant students.