Regardless of whether you were a straight-A teacher’s pet or an easy-going average student, that one mandatory subject that made your stomach turn and wish for the bell to ring probably marked your high school career. Whether it was the quadratic formula or the definition of “allegory,” it brought to mind the quintessential question: When in the world am I going to use this?

 

As a part of a statewide educational overhaul, schools across Florida decided to alleviate some of the high school students’ distress by giving them the option of picking a “major.”

 

In principle, it is similar to a college major. Although students are still required to take classes in all basic areas, now they can focus on “major areas of interest” and focus on their talents.

 

Some people argue that 14 is too early of an age to decide what path you want to pursue, yet kids as early as fifth grade know that they prefer solving mathematical problems to writing essays.

 

The system is an excellent exercise in responsibility as it gives students control over what they spend their time on and pour their energies into. It is also a valuable tool in building student self-esteem. When students are able to pursue what they are passionate about, they are more motivated and likely to pursue excellence.

 

The system is tailored to both college-bound students and those who wish to enter the work force right after graduation.

 

It prepares the college hopefuls as it offers more advanced classes in the area they may want to pursue after graduation. It gives them an edge over students from other parts of the country who cannot display specific well-honed skills in addition to a balanced foundation.

 

This type of system is also beneficial to students who are not bound for higher education, as it does not force them to sit through classes designed for the college-bound individuals. Ready-to-work programs and professional development classes are available to train the student for their future career.

 

All the students need to complete basic mathematics, English and science courses, but have the freedom to choose the direction that they want to push themselves in. The major a student chooses is not set in stone, so there is room for experimentation.

 

This kind of educational system is used in many European countries that do not have bachelor’s degree programs, but send their students straight to medical school or law school.

 

Preparing American students in a similar manner would focus their talents and skills and make them even more competitive in the international market.

 

For example, if a student begins taking language courses his first year, by the time he enters college he will likely test into upper-division courses. He could be fluent in the language within two years and still have the time to pursue another degree.

 

As the richest and most industrialized country in the world, the United States lags behind other nations when it comes to secondary education. Implementation of a program like the one Florida’s legislature just passed would allow students to measure up to higher standards.

 

And while it may not eliminate the “is it over yet?” factor from the dismaying mandatory subjects, it will certainly make the students more motivated to pursue specialized merit.