02 May Gap Year? Later Start? Time for Change in High School

We lag behind the world. Pearson says the US is 14th in the world in “cognitive skills and educational attainment.” And we are ranked second in ignorance about social issues (only Italy is worse). This is not news. But today two interesting tidbits that could restart the conversation about the best way to achieve greater academic excellence in the US at the high school level.

First it was disclosed that Malia Obama, before attending Harvard, is taking a “gap year” after high school. We also learned that New Jersey is seriously examining a later start to the school day, finally acknowledging that study after study shows that teenagers just don’t do as well early in the AM. These are both good things. Too many overprogrammed high schoolers get to college totally exhausted. The pressure to take a large number of APs, lead extra curriculars, volunteer, etc., means they simply have no free time. The gap year can let them put some money away for college, do something good for others, travel and learn about the world, or pursue a passion. Then they can arrive ready and refreshed and maybe a little more mature. And some, frankly, might discover that college may not be the best path for their chosen career.

And yes, as a parent I can assure you that teens do not like mornings. This is not irresponsibility, it’s just hormones. Part of me thinks every high school should go from 12-6, but that would wreak havoc with after school sports, buses, etc. But a little later would be better. Maybe the “cognitive skills” would develop stronger if so. We should look at a number of Asian countries that top the list of education, also Great Britain and Canada which ranked noticeably higher than we did. As great as we are in so many ways as a country, this one needs some attention people. Oh and duh, that would be good for business and the economy too!