Electives
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 & Movement
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.
Standards & Accountability
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.