Higher Learning Flexibility High school seniors and juniors across the nation have been especially impacted within weeks due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Aside from postponement or cancellation of senior events such as graduation and prom, I ponder the questions of, “How will college admissions play out?” “Will we still be receiving credits to graduation?” or “Are we still going to be able to take our standardized tests?” With increasing questions and concerns surrounding higher learning opportunities, the California State Board of Education, California Department of Education, California State University, University of California, California Community College, and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities have published a joint statement in response to the current crisis. As a senior currently attending high school, this was the kind of information that I yearned for. I was worried about my remaining credits needed to finish the school year. Would this be something that I’d have to make up in the future? Or would distance learning cover all the necessary material to meet those graduation requirements? Luckily, this statement relieved my burdens. In the joint statement, released on April 1st, the State Board and the California Department of Education have expressed their intentions to support “a range of
distance learning, strategies for flexibility in grading, and guidance for adjustments of local graduation requirements.” In light of this, I contacted my counselor, Ms. Deanda of Lathrop High School, with my specific questions and concerns. She advised, “The UC/ CSU response to COVID-19 made me extremely happy and thankful. Although these are strange and challenging times for many upperclassmen, it is important to vitalize your resources.” Additionally, the published joint statement addresses the overall flexibility that the higher education systems should be following. When filling out college applications, it’s important to have an updated version of your transcript at hand. Though, concerns begin to arise when students do not meet the college requirements. The State Board and the California Department of Education stated that they would offer assurances with regard to “flexibilities associated with the receipt of official transcripts and confirmation of admissions offers, including deposits or fees, where needed,” meaning their admissions and financial aid offices will be highly aware of various circumstances. This assists seniors all across the nation as they continue to finish out their senior year, attempting to earn the last drop of credits to graduate. By financial aid situations, many higher education school systems have been giving students COVID-19 relief grants upon college acceptance. These relief grants allow students, especially
those of lower household income or with recently unemployed parents due to the crisis, to utilize the grant money for costs like tuition, books, and housing. The joint statement announced that they will be “reevaluating financial needs, as well as the eligibility for federal and college financial aid; for families whose circumstances have changed.” This statement, in particular, provided me great relief. With my father being laid off in early January, it was an opportunity for me to reach out and ask for help in the financial aid offices. Standardized testing is also one of the most important components when entering a collegiate setting. Upperclassman dedicate considerable amounts of time prepping for tests such as the SAT and ACT, where colleges compare applicant test scores against the score of previously admitted students to weigh acceptance. While distance learning, College Board and Khan Academy have provided a significant amount of resources that students can access through their devices. These websites offer digital classes, test preparations, and additional aid to ensure that all students are fully prepared to succeed. Community college students hoping to transfer their general education/prerequisite classes to a university, also have concerns. However, the higher education community has offered assurances for these students as well, stating, “Accepting of Credit/No Credit in lieu of letter grades in ‘Golden Four’ and General Education/prerequisite courses completed at a community college in winter/spring/summer.”
Our very own Manteca Unified Senior Director of Secondary Education, Clara Schmiedt, expressed her utmost solidarity toward the situation, “We understand the worries generated by this time of uncertainty. Our mission to provide students with access to grade-level standards has not, and will not, shift. We have fantastic teachers who understand the high stakes involved in not only graduating from high school but moving to college or starting their career.” The flexibility of higher education school systems and the support of our secondary education teachers has allowed us to persevere through these trying times. Manteca Unified said in a statement “teachers are grading during the implementation of distance learning program in a manner that reflects the challenges that may occur.” Each high school in MUSD is ready to support students, especially upperclassman, on an individual basis to solve any barriers to learning, including more concentrated communication. If you’re an upperclassman and have concerns about college, contact your counselor via email, Teams, or phone! You are also encouraged to contact university admissions offices with specific questions. The joint statement concluded, “As educators, we understand the anxieties triggered by the many uncertainties students now face and trust these accommodations provide a measure of relief.”
