Spring is in the air, and an 18-year-old’s thoughts turn to, well, just about anything but schoolwork. In acknowledgement of that premise, some high schools are devising novel ways to treat the dread condition known as senioritis. Instead of forcing graduating seniors through the academic paces, they’re encouraging them to go ahead and start thinking about life after high school. New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois, for example, has created a “senior program” designed to help kids learn real-world skills. Students can work as teachers’ aids, participate in community projects, and attend discussion forums on topics like money management and college life. Other schools let seniors start taking courses at local colleges or find off-campus internships. “It’s human to be thinking about what is ahead,” said Janice Dreis, co-director of New Trier’s program. “We have to let them think about that.”
A version of this news article first appeared in the Web Watch blog.
