Science enthusiasts disheartened by new policy against juniors

Not until recently have students realized that the California budget cuts directly impact class sizes at Saratoga High. Not until just this year have students realized that these budget cuts are now limiting who can take what classes.

This school year several juniors applied to take two science classes in order to take advantage of the wide variety of AP science classes offered. All of their requests were denied.

Due to the unfortunate budget situation, the administration decided over summer that juniors would be prohibited from taking more than one science class. It is uncertain if this policy will also apply in future years, but current juniors are upset by the created confusion about what science classes they should take senior year.

Biology is typically taken as a preparatory class for AP Biology, and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors is taken as a preparatory class for AP Chemistry. Similarly, some juniors who want to take AP Physics senior year plan to take physics regular in 11th grade, while simultaneously taking either AP Biology or AP Chemistry.

This year, however, those juniors who were planning on taking physics before the AP class were forced to choose between enrolling in physics, or another AP science course entirely.

This type of dilemma also affects students’ senior year schedule. If students cannot take physics regular in junior year, many will wonder if they should take AP Physics in senior year.

Although the administration did try adding extra classes of certain AP science courses, these classes were in turn filled with even more seniors, leaving no room for any juniors.

This new policy has thus created a dilemma for juniors who have limited class choices, but just because a school cannot afford to let juniors take a specific science class, does not mean students can never learn the material.

Juniors can easily take classes at a community college such as West Valley College if they are so inclined to take two science courses, or self-study the material.

Therefore, the new policy about not being able to take two science classes as a juniors should not be taken as a hindrance. Instead, it should be viewed as an opportunity to explore different college classes, start being exposed to real college life, and become independent in studying techniques.

The administration is stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to ameliorate the budget problems caused by the California budget crisis while pacifying dissatisfied students. Budget cuts have caused many changes in school policies throughout the years, pleasing no one. However, there are always ways to take advantage of the new opportunities that come your way.