-22855 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas, CA 91302-

Calabasas Courier Online

-22855 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas, CA 91302-

Calabasas Courier Online

-22855 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas, CA 91302-

Calabasas Courier Online

Many students abuse independent study opportunities

Many students abuse independent study opportunities

In order to receive credit for the multitude of required courses at CHS, students oftentimes take a few classes online during the school year or in the summer. However, some students are now taking advantage of this privilege by choosing to take half of their classes at school and the other half outside of school.  Many students choose to take the majority of their core subjects through private tutoring or online programs while pursuing electives and sports at school.  These students unfairly have schedules that are significantly easier than the rigorous six-period schedule of an average CHS student.  Enduring such a schedule is crucial in developing a strong work ethic and preparing for college.  Taking classes at home is also expensive and not affordable for all students.

Students who do not undergo a difficult schedule in high school will not be completely prepared for college.  By taking the majority of their classes outside of school, they will not experience the struggle of managing multiple academic courses with extracurricular activities.  A study conducted by the University of Michigan shows that students must be exposed to the classroom environment in order to truly benefit from the course and prompt students to engage in their studies more seriously.

“[These private learning opportunities] will not be offered in college, so [these students] will not be prepared for what will suddenly be dropped on them,” said counselor Linda Hull.  “In the long run, this schedule will not give students the skills they need to succeed and compete later.”

A classroom environment encourages students to exert more effort in enhancing their performance in school, as it induces healthy competition among peers.  Home-schooling deprives a student from developing proper work ethics such as time management, examination under pressure and social etiquette. Also, home-schooling prevents students from interacting with other students their age and therefore, the idea of teamwork is not instilled.  This will only create problems in the future when individuals must cooperate with colleagues.

“Having interactions with peers and adults with authority is an important part of a healthy learning environment,” said junior Emily Barber.

studyMany of these students are abusing the privilege of being able to take classes at home and online.  They have illustrated that the main reason for taking primary academic courses at home is to have an easier schedule, as the classes are significantly less stressful. While full-time students are trying to complete numerous tasks in class, those who are half home-schooled are relaxing in their pajamas with a tutor of their choice.  In addition, the students can easily pay someone to complete an online class for them. While they are not exerting any effort and not learning anything, they are still receiving the same amount of credit as students who earned their grades.

“I presume that home-schooling is an easier task since students have control over everything,” Hull said. “[Students can decide] when they take tests, and they probably take them in an environment that they feel very comfortable in.”

Many home-schooling programs are expensive; thus, only people who are relatively wealthy have the luxury to invest in one or more courses and pay for tutors.    According to laurelsprings.com, an average home-school course offered by that company costs $1300 per class. Students who have the money to pay for such a class are essentially purchasing their A’s, while those who do not have the means to do so have to work for their grades.  Students who take courses online lack a quality education that challenges them, ultimately allowing them to pass the class without learning anything.  This hinders their success in future courses and in future work opportunities.

For some students, home schooling is a necessary aspect of their lives, especially if they are under special circumstances, such as an extensive commitment to a career in sports or the entertainment industry. However, too many students, particularly in Calabasas, take online  classes without legitimate reasons. While these students graduate with the rest of their class, they do not receive the complete high school experience that will prepare them for the future.

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