University:
Georgia Southern University
Course:
ENGL 1102 | Composition II
Academic year:

2024
Views:

128

Pages:

2
Author:

Jalen W.

‭Dr. Lively‬ ‭ENGL 1102 B‬ ‭Fall 2022‬ ‭Elevating High School Standards: A Case for Academic Rigor‬ ‭In the ongoing discourse surrounding high school education, the question of whether‬ ‭school standards should be elevated emerges as a crucial point of contention. Advocates for‬ ‭higher standards argue that such measures are essential for ensuring the academic preparedness‬ ‭of students and equipping them with the requisite skills for success in higher education and the‬ ‭workforce. This essay contends that the elevation of school standards is not only desirable but‬ ‭imperative, supported by specific reasons and examples elucidating the potential benefits of‬ ‭rigorous academic expectations.‬ ‭Firstly, raising school standards is integral to fostering intellectual rigor and academic‬ ‭excellence among students. Higher standards incentivize educators to challenge students with‬ ‭more rigorous coursework, thereby fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and‬ ‭analytical skills. For instance, advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)‬ ‭programs, which adhere to elevated standards, provide students with opportunities to engage in‬ ‭rigorous academic pursuits, preparing them for the rigors of college-level coursework. By setting‬ ‭higher academic benchmarks, schools can cultivate a culture of excellence wherein students are‬ ‭encouraged to strive for academic mastery and intellectual growth.‬ ‭Moreover, elevated school standards are essential for ensuring educational equity and‬ ‭narrowing achievement gaps among students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.‬ ‭Research indicates that students from disadvantaged communities often face disparities in‬ ‭educational opportunities and outcomes, exacerbating existing inequities. By implementing‬ ‭higher standards uniformly across all schools, policymakers can mitigate these disparities by‬ ‭providing all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, with access to a rigorous‬ ‭and enriching academic curriculum. For example, initiatives such as the Common Core State‬ ‭Standards aim to establish consistent learning objectives nationwide, thereby promoting‬ ‭educational equity and leveling the playing field for all students. In conclusion, the elevation of‬ ‭school standards is not merely an aspirational goal but a pragmatic imperative essential for‬ ‭fostering academic excellence, promoting educational equity, and preparing students for success‬ ‭in an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape.‬