Introduction
The new semester has started, and it’s all anyone has been talking about. After a short break, students in the 9th grade have returned with new schedules, electives, and classes. Some switched from economics to computer science, while others moved from computer science to economics. But how do they feel about these changes? Do they enjoy their new classes? Love them? Hate them? We interviewed some 9th graders who have switched classes and electives—whether by choice or requirement—to hear their thoughts.
Mixed Feelings
When asking our questions, we focused on how students felt about their classes and what they thought of them. Looking back, we found that students had many different feelings about their new classes and electives. Ninth grader Chris Canuto, stated, “he mainly focuses on trying new things and staying close to his friends.”
On the other hand, another ninth grader, Ana Loja, said, “When I got my new schedule, I felt a bit disappointed by the fact that I was unable to do what I think I do my best in. I felt that the change from Studio Art to Creative Writing was drastic, as they are two different types of art.” She expressed disappointment when she found out what new elective she had to take.
Some ninth graders had their electives chosen for them because they needed to take classes they didn’t complete over the summer, such as health. Another ninth grader already misses their old schedule and would prefer economics over computer science, a sentiment that many ninth graders in this interview seem to agree with. Is economics a better experience than computer science?
Elective Preferences
Some 9th graders are excited about their new electives, while others feel the change wasn’t what they wanted. One ninth grader was excited about the change, saying, “I think that my schedule is really good, most of my classes stayed the same, which helped me stay connected with my friends.” He also got into Studio Arts, the class he wanted. Another ninth grader said he had been wanting to try something new, but wasn’t sure whether he liked the change, explaining, “I personally prefer my economics class and my 9th period classes more than the classes that I have right now.”
However, not everyone felt the same way about the new schedule. A student who switched from CS to Economics said she preferred the change but admitted, “Economics is going to get harder, so I am going to work better.”
Some students were unsure about whether they liked the change but eventually realized they did. One ninth grader shared, “I feel like I am starting to like my Computer Science class as of right now.”
For some, getting the class they wanted made the change easier, while others felt the change wasn’t for the best. Some students felt excited, while others wished they could revert the switch, and some are still getting used to their new classes.
Reasoning for Switching
A lot of our students had their own reasons for wanting to switch their electives. One ninth grader said they wanted to switch as a way to explore something new and focus on a different subject this semester. Another student agreed, saying it was a good opportunity to try new electives.
Unlike some ninth graders who chose their electives, others didn’t get into the classes they wanted and were placed in different ones instead. This seems to be a recurring issue with this year’s electives. Many students didn’t get into their preferred classes, while others were placed in required classes because they didn’t attend College Bridge, making it necessary for them to take these courses.
Conclusion
Overall, the recent schedule change has brought mixed reactions among 9th graders. Some students are excited about their new electives, while others feel uncertain or disappointed. Whether they chose their classes or were placed in them, these changes play a big role in their school experience. While some have already adjusted, others are still trying to adapt. This shift highlights the importance of student choice and how electives impact their engagement in learning.
