Electives

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.
Brenda Iasevoli, November 13, 2017
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4 min read
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.
Starr Sackstein, April 26, 2016
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3 min read
Teacher Maureen Kildee works alongside Janiah McKnuckle as the 3rd grader learns computer-coding skills during an "Hour of Code" event last December at Brownell/Holmes Elementary School in Flint, Mich. The initiative aims to expose more students to computer programming, and to raise public awareness about the importance of computer science education.
Teacher Maureen Kildee works alongside Janiah McKnuckle as the 3rd grader learns computer-coding skills during an "Hour of Code" event last December at Brownell/Holmes Elementary School in Flint, Mich. The initiative aims to expose more students to computer programming, and to raise public awareness about the importance of computer science education.
Jake May/The Flint Journal-MLive.com/AP
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.
Liana Loewus, February 25, 2014
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7 min read
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.
Erik W. Robelen, May 21, 2013
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1 min read
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.
Dianne Hopen, April 25, 2012
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3 min read
Curriculum Video New Orleans: Turning a New Page
May 11, 2011
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3:59
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.
Ernie Rambo, April 13, 2011
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5 min read
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.
Erik W. Robelen, April 8, 2010
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1 min read
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:
Katie Ash, July 1, 2008
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1 min read
Assessment Taking Weight off GPAs With Electives
The Wylie, Texas, school district is no longer counting electives in GPA calculations.
Catherine Gewertz, July 31, 2007
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1 min read
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.
Sean Cavanagh, April 18, 2006
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8 min read
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.
David J. Hoff, January 17, 2006
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4 min read
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.
The Associated Press, December 30, 2005
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1 min read
Standards Districts Pare 'Electives' for Core Courses
Toughen the mathematics and science requirements and see the payoff in higher student achievement. At least, that was the intention of Anne Arundel County, Md., school officials who were aiming to improve middle school students' performance on state exams.
Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, December 11, 1996
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7 min read