There used to be standards for honors classes at WW-P High Schools North and South. In order to be admitted to an honors class, students needed to maintain an A average and be recommended by their teachers. Honors classes were for those with the ability and motivation to benefit. They were challenging and stimulating classes.
But over the past several years, the standards have been ignored and anyone with a 79.5 percent average can opt to take an honors class. In fact, this past year approximately 80 percent of ninth grade students were in language arts honors classes. A great many of them did not belong there.
This has resulted in the dumbing down of the curriculum and frustration and boredom for those who belong in the honors program. Students who should not be in the honors classes are overwhelmed and frustrated as well. They can’t keep up with the work, get poor grades, and are not learning. There needs to be a selection process for honors classes.
The teachers are the best judges of who will flourish there. Let them do their jobs and make sure that students are in the classes where they can learn and be successful. Do not allow honors programs to be diminished and become worthless. We owe this to our students who are capable and eager of being challenged. And we owe it to all of our students that they be placed in classes where they capable of doing their best.
Deborah Marinsky
West Windsor
Marinsky is a candidate running for a seat on the school board.
