What Classes should I take?

​

Introduction

 

Hello, all, in this segment of Learning for All, I will be discussing how to properly take the appropriate courses for you or someone with a learning difference.

 

In each blog post, I will introduce the topic, explain what the topic is, then share my experience with the particular topic. My sources of information will be hyperlinks throughout the blog. 

 

As mentioned in my previous blog post, I had a very hard time with all aspects of learning. Learning took copious amounts of time to catch up, however, I was able to do so and succeed.

 

I am going to discuss ways to pace yourself when taking courses like math, science, history, and english.

​

​

​

​

​

 

There is a fine line between over-exerting yourself and not exerting yourself enough.

 

  

Proper Pacing 

 

Each state, district, and school has its own educational class structure hierarchy. For example, When I was in middle school, there was either honors courses or standard course. When I went to high school there was standard, advanced, honors, and AP.

 

It is different at each school level but, for a student with a learning difference, you should always put yourself in a position where the class work is extremely challenging but not impossible.

 

Understand, frustration is a part of life, and you need to have the courage to put everything you have into your education.

 

Do not assume you are automatically at the bottom of the educational hierarchy. Read the course descriptions and, with a parent or guardian, talk with the teachers who teach the course to get their insight. 

 

You should be able to understand the concepts of the course and think to yourself if you can actually do them.

 

Educators recommend taking harder classes at first and if you are struggling then take a step back. Do not try to take the easy way first because when you move up there is a bigger learning curve.

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

The goal is not to breeze by the school or on the other extreme to make everyday terrible, spend countless hours on homework, and your grades suffering. 

 

There is a steady balance, one only you can know. If you feel as though the work is too easy, and you spend less time than the average student in your class on work. Feel as though you do not need to study, and your grades are amazing with little effort. Those are the signs to make a change.  

 

If you have thoughts about cheating or feel as though you have no ability to achieve said expectations. Those are the signs to make a change. 

 

Always consider advice from your college counselor and advisors, they are there to help students out with course registration. If you feel as though you can do more, then do more. 

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Personal Experience

 

I had a unique experience when it came to pacing and course registration.

 

When I was in elementary school, as noted in my blog, I was very behind academically.  I never took a Spanish class, I stopped taking required music classes after the second grade, and certain English classes that were meant for all students I was in a separate one.

 

Most notably in the 5th grade, I took a special english class with one other student and a teacher( three people in total).

 

I felt like such an idiot when I was in this class because I was getting taught like a baby even thought I was in the 5th grade.

 

With the help of my mom, we fought to have me in regular classes, I was getting treated as if I was less than a normal student.

 

I had to believe in myself and my ability to learn in order for my aspirations to come true.

 

In the 6th grade, I was finally able to be in the regular class except for no Spanish or music. 

 

In high school, I took primarily honors courses, dual enrollment courses, and AP courses.

 

I struggled in high school, I had to change classes around, fail, succeed and then graduate high school!

 

The most important thing I had was my supportive family to help me get back up and learn.

​

In the next blog for Learning For All, I will go over how to be your own self advocate.

 

Thank you for reading.