In response to the June 7 letter to the editor regarding Everett High School graduation requirements (“Required exhibition: Words ‘at standard’ a hollow reward”), twice this spring I had the privilege of serving as a panelist for the senior culminating exhibitions. Talk about a worthwhile use of time! I was so impressed with the students’ presentations: the quality, the depth of nowledge, the introspection regarding their learning, and the tenacity displayed in getting this major requisite to graduation completed to standard.
Equally impressive is the dedication the staff of Everett High has shown in helping students meet this requirement. Every discipline at each grade level is involved in having students complete a variety of assignments to prepare them for both the scholarly paper and the culminating exhibit.
Although the previous letter to the editor stated otherwise, I cannot foresee having to purchase additional computer hardware or software or hire tutors to help my children complete this phase of their education. My tax dollars have already done that, in both the high school and public library, and in the teachers on staff at Everett High School!
I applaud the district in taking a firm stand for high academic standards. We have all been doing some hand-wringing the past few years, wondering how our children will ever compete in the global job market when their skills are so far below those in other countries. The state academic learning goals, as assessed by the Washington Assessment for Student Learning in grades four, seven and 10, move our state in the right direction. By mandating successful completion of the scholarly paper, autobiographical letter and culminating exhibit, the Everett School District has shown their pursuit of academic excellence.
To all students who are taking these requirements seriously and completing the work in the allotted time in order to graduate, and to the parents and teaching staff who are giving them academic and moral support, I salute you!
There are many opportunities for volunteers to be involved in every step of this exciting process. I urge you to consider being one of them.
Everett
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