Graphic by Ella Viti
Reese Pinto
Opinions Reporter
There have been various changes at South throughout the past year: the start time, WIN blocks, and the new addition of mixed level classes. An extensive group of English, history, chemistry, biology, and freshman math classes have started a new mixed-level policy this year. Although honors students have extra work, teachers use the same lectures and presentations for all the class levels.
Sophomore Caroline Thurmond states, “I feel like it just boils down to honors [students] doing more work, [but] not necessarily learning more.”
This new change also makes the classwork for every level feel similar. Honors level classes have more advanced and in-depth curriculums, but the more advanced concepts are now given as homework.
Students who do not learn best alone or through readings have a much harder time understanding the material, especially considering that these assignments are rarely addressed in class. The lack of honors in-class assignments makes it harder for students to fully understand more complex topics.
This is not to say that mixed-level classes are bad. As Thurmond says, “It can be nice to do the honors work even if I am in ACP because then I can switch in easily.” Mixed-level classes allow students to move up and down in their classes without messing up their entire schedule.
Another advantage to mixed-level classes is that “people who are in higher levels can help the people in lower levels or explain things [they] don’t know,” notes sophomore Abby Ustayev. This situation allows for more student collaboration since everyone is all working on the same unit.
This is the first time that many teachers have taught mixed-level classes. Like any new policy, it has its pros and cons, but administration is hoping that mixed-level classes ultimately benefit the student body.
