Story: Schools Struggle to Motivate Students with 'Senioritis': 05/15/06
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june06/senioritis_5-15.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is Senioritis?

2. How do students feel about senior slump?

3. What are schools doing to combat senior slump?

4. What are some educators in California doing to motivate seniors?

5. What can happen if a student is accepted at college but has bad grades in the final semester?

6. According to the article, what are some end-of-the-school-year events that divert students' attention away from academics or athletics?

Discussion Questions and Extension Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Read the following quote by Charles Reed. Do you agree or disagree with his statement? Why? What is the situation like at your school?

"The 12th grade is the biggest wasteland in America," Charles Reed, chancellor of the California State University system, told USA Today.

2. How would you tell the teachers and educators at your school to improve the usefulness of senior year? Create a concrete plan the school could implement that would meet the diverse needs of students at your schools, including those going to colleges and those going directly into the workforce.

3. Now, what would be the best way to present this plan to your school leaders?

Send your answers, in essay form, to extra@newshour.org for possible publication!