Curriculum changes are coming to RHS next school year, including some that affect requirements for graduation. The English department has decided to open up more course options for juniors and seniors to allow for flexibility based on students’ preferences. This was made official at the school board meeting on Feb. 7, 2022. As of now, the available courses include Futuristic Fiction and Film, Expository Reading and Writing, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature, and English III. Ripon High has previously had a structured English curriculum system which limited class selections to a couple specific ones per grade level, but is now ready to branch out for the upcoming school year. Upperclassmen will soon be able to have a choice in their English pathway. 

Four years of English are required for high school graduation and for college admission. However, five years of English is recommended for college applicants. Now that students can choose their English pathway, possibly completing up to 6 years of English, they can build transcripts that exceed college recommendations. Incoming juniors and seniors must select their courses carefully in order to meet requirements for graduation and college admission.

“This is a good idea because you are able to take all of the classes and not just one English class you are told to take,” stated Emma Mendoza, junior. 

Having the opportunity to choose classes can help students create schedules they are more fond of. When students have courses they like, school can become more enjoyable. The restriction of only being able to take one English class per year limited students to something they may not be interested in. 

“I honestly think that it’s not a good idea due to the fact that the transition to an upper level English class is difficult,” says Spencer Redula, sophomore. “It’s good to learn skills at grade level for college applications.” 

The difference between sophomore and junior/senior English courses is tough. Strenuous classes could cause issues in students’ grades, undoing the positive effect the upper level classes have on transcripts and college applications. Having the opportunity to choose allows students to determine whether or not they can handle this transition or not. 

“I think it’s going to be a good thing for students because it gives them more options, which they can expect in college,” stated Laura Ochoa, English teacher.