One of the great privileges of being a reporter is getting to meet so many people. Every one has a unique perspective and story. I meet an average of 10 new people a day. Obviously I can’t remember them all, but the Madison West High School students I met today will have a place in my memory.
They don’t want to see their school restructured under a proposal to create two curriculum tracks at all four of Madison’s high schools. District administrators believe that change is necessary to close the achievement gap, better challenge students in preparing them to compete on a global scale, and to even-out course offerings between the schools. You can read more about it here.
Here’s why I’m impressed: The students we interviewed spoke passionately and intelligently about the desire to have a stake in their own education. They were so mature and polite it was almost unsettling. Then there’s the fact the kids we did interview were all seniors. They could write the possible changes off because they would not impact them, but they didn’t because they believe strongly in what they’ve been given.
Usually when you show up to a high school with a TV camera kids start mugging for it like they’re in a music video. Not at West. Next, as I was going up the front steps a student seated in front of the door got up and said “excuse me” even though I could have just as easily gone around him.
There’s no question our schools need the attention of our leaders. There is no question we need to close the achievement gap. There is no question we must push our young people to challenge themselves. There’s also no question there is something special at Madison West High School.
