Suggestions for HS academic awards criteria

tcollegesearch
Sun, 05 Nov 2006 16:11:34 +0000

I actually think the most important aspect is that the criteria be clear. Awards given on a strictly numbers basis are fine (my D has gotten some of those each year), as are awards where teachers look at discretionary factors. I just think it’s important for the teachers to follow the rules. I think when someone who is clearly not the best student gets the numbers award, it’s obviously that the rules weren’t followed. Most kids and paretns (although not everyone) will also respect selections for discretionary awards as long as the rules are made clear. If there is an underlying academic element in an award, as for some scholarship programs, the students under consideration should all meet those criteria before objective criteria are considered. Again, in my experience, mose people can respect decisions in such a case.

I think the OP’s school is to be commended for realizing that the process needed to be looked at. Even if it was fair, clarifying factors being considered might make things less controversial in the future.

Here’s a question though – does anyone else’s high school elect their Vals? That’s the case at our HS. Seems to me they should call it something other than Val. since to most people that implies someone who is at the top of the class academically. Having said that, we know what the criteria are (none) at least and knowing that there is never any dissappointment when Val. is announced right before graduation.