The class of 2013, this year’s junior class is used to being praised for their excellent test scores, but their report cards tell another story.
Last semester, eleventh grade teachers sent home 144 fails on report cards — an average of slightly more than one fail per student. Although some students did not fail any classes, while others failed many more than one.
As a result of failing classes, one out of four students in the class of 2013 is either not on-track or needing to make up some credits in order to get back on-track, guidance counselor Leticia Reyes said.
The eleventh graders who are not on-track usually have failed multiple classes per semester, and they have not taken steps to improve their work habits, Reyes said.
While this might seem high, the eleventh grade class is actually in the best position.
The ninth grade class is in the worst position with 200 total fails, which is the worst per student fail average of 1.27.
The tenth grade class has earned 185 fails, which is an average of 1.25
The senior class, the class of 2012, earned 98 total fails, but the size of the class is much smaller than the class of 2013. The senior class’s per student fail average is 816
Students who fail A-G’s such as English, Chemistry, Algebra II, and Trig, may have to repeat classes in order to earn enough credits to graduate.
Animo Pat Brown’s Class of 2013 is well known for their good test scores. However, many eleventh graders are not on track, according to the report of their grades.
Many eleventh graders have the ability to receive good grades since they have proven to be capable of doing well with their test scores, however they lack the good grades and motivation.
Junior, Sergio Pereda sometimes does not complete his homework or class work, but he has not failed a class.
“I get lazy sometimes. Other times I feel like I do not have time to do my homework so I end up not doing it,” Sergio said.
Junior Raul Cervantes has failed 3 classes overall since 9th grade. During present 11th grade he has received no fails but is on the brink of failing some classes.
“Yeah it always gets difficult I’m always distracted mainly by people around me but that’s what makes it fun,” Raul said.
Students come across many distractions while they do homework or classwork. In class they may be distracted by other people. Outside of school it can be people, television, video games, or phones and Internet which makes it harder for students to concentrate outside of class.
Junior Melvin Fuentes has done a great job keeping up with his grades throughout 9th, 10th and present 11th grade. Up to now he has received no fails and currently has a 4.0 GPA.
Melvin makes sure he has all his work completed before turning it in.
“What I do to stay on track is make sure to complete my work, make sure that I understand what we learn in class, and I make sure I don’t miss a single homework assignment,” Melvin said.
Although many juniors have failed many classes it does not reflect their knowledge and intelligence in school. The only thing that the current fails have proven is that the students are too lazy and do not have enough motivation to complete their work in school.
Even though the eleventh graders aren’t doing as well as they should be it is still not to late to change. Principal Joshua Hartford has a two-step process that could potentially help students receive better grades.
“Step 1: Find your own reasons to succeed. It can be for the pride of getting that diploma, for the ability to support your family with that well-paying job, or simply for all that cash you will earn with your college degree,”Hartford said.
“Step 2: Trust us. We are teachers,” he said. “We get paid to explain how school works and how kids learn.”
Teachers know more than the students currently do. Students should listen to the advise the teachers give them. If teachers recommend students to read at home or stay for guided study often, then student should listen. Students who listen will be the ones who are most likely to succeed.