The Palo Alto school board voted to remove honors biology, opting for a unified introductory course for all freshmen to ease their transition from middle to high school. The decision highlighted a contentious debate on 'de-laning' in education, aiming to provide an equitable learning environment. Teachers expressed support for the move, believing it would foster a stronger foundational understanding of science for all students. However, some board members and parents raised concerns about the potential impact on advanced classes and the autonomy of students in determining their educational paths.
We're so excited to teach this course because it's truly about the learning, and not about a label for honors or for a grade.
We really want to give all students a really strong foundation and springboard so they can access our various science pathways, including honors.
Do we trust our high school students with autonomy and choice, to decide for themselves what their learning journey looks like?
I don't feel completely confident that our other experiences with de-laning have been unqualified successes.
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