Senior year is not the end but the beginning for our students. Senior year is not the year to take off or get a break. Senior year is an investment in the future. Postsecondary education is not cheap. Failure is expensive, not just in terms of money but also in terms of self-esteem and confidence.
Challenges can be their own reward.
I hope the senior year will be a challenge for all students. National statistics show that high school students who complete advanced coursework in mathematics and science consistently perform better in postsecondary education and also earn higher salaries in the workforce. Further, many colleges and universities expect that applicants for admission complete coursework beyond what is required for high school graduation. The opportunity to take advanced courses does not exist for some Wisconsin high school students. Others who may have the opportunity, frequently choose not to enroll in these courses.