School of Thought: Looking at options
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STUDENT INTRO: This week's School of Thought is brought to you by Parkersburg South junior, Tyler Tebay. Tyler is a hardworking student both inside and outside of the classroom. Tyler holds a full-time job outside of school, enjoys spending time with his friends, playing the occasional video game when his busy schedule allows, and most recently working on the car he just bought himself.
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Options is an alternative path to graduation for students who may not be able to reach the original and traditional path of graduation. This is a program that allows kids to graduate on time, and sometimes students are afforded the opportunity of graduating early if all the requirements are met.
Between more and more homework, having sports and other extracurriculars, or jobs after school it can be hard, and at times, nearly impossible to get caught up. Unfortunately, not all bosses, coaches, teachers, etc. are understanding.
I personally get up at 6 a.m. I get ready, go to school until 3:15p.m., and then, most days I go to work until around 11p.m. By the time I get home, have something to eat it's nearly midnight. Another issue with this is that I can't just magically lay down and fall asleep, so I add another hour or so of winding down, and it seems like just as soon as I fall asleep it is time to get up and repeat it the next day.
By the time I get home most evenings, I have to choose between a few hours of sleep or homework, chores, and other things that need to be done. This doesn't account for anything I am already behind on, so it just keeps piling up.
I felt like I was at the crossroads of making it versus not making it to graduation on time. I knew that I needed help, so I talked to a teacher about what to do and they guided me toward my counselor and an administrator. I was relieved in finding out that I could still graduate on time, and from learning about the program, the steps Options utilizes aren't overwhelming and help students who are struggling meet the needs of daily life. First, you must pass the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) to be moved into the actual Options program. You take your GED test core subjects in the morning and take an elective class in the afternoon. The GED test is broken into 5 sections: Math, Reading, Science, English, and History. There are practice tests available that you may take until you feel comfortable enough to take the official GED. After you pass all five sections, you are no longer required to come to the core classes, and only have to come for the remainder of your elective. When you complete the elective, you do graduate and you do get your diploma.
I still haven't determined what I plan to do yet, but as someone who was behind and unsure of a path out, having Options as an option is invaluable. The fact that there is a way to still graduate on time, even after some bumps in the road knowing that a program like this is available is huge for students in a similar situation to me. While I am thankful for this program, and am giving it consideration as I would suggest to anyone in my position, I want to be transparent in giving the information and talk about the minimal disadvantages of Options, too. Options gives you the information and education you need to pass through a 12th grade level, and some "life-skills." That said, you don't get some of the necessary knowledge used for/in college if that is the route you want to pursue. The only other downside I can think of is that you will also be knowingly putting yourself in a position of moderate stress by choosing to pursue this program. Knowing you have to prep for five really big tests would stress out even the best test taker- not to mention how mentally taxing and stressful it could be if you're not the greatest test taker.
Overall, this program has more benefits than negatives for someone who has found themselves behind and unsure of how to get caught up- whatever the reason may be. Options allows for students to work if they need to maintain a work and school schedule, but struggle to do so. This program also ensures a path to graduation, taking the lingering stress of "will I pass or fail" away from students who are already concerned about their future. If you are feeling unsure about your future, or you have fallen behind, take the time to talk to your school counselors or an administrator. Mine were very helpful in presenting me with choices and creating different plans that would work for my situation, I just had to take the initiative to start the conversation and ask for help.