A4 Op / Ed Keeping College Ready Should AP classes screen students?
By: Madalynn Owens
The past couple of weeks at Battle have been filled with a flurry of anxious students hustling to get their course requests in. Talk of graduation requirements, study halls and AP or honors classes were heard throughout the hallways.
Left: The exterior of Sake downtown is inviting to visitors. Right: Geisha’s sushi boat for special rolls is an attractive presentation. Photographed by Hayden Elder.
Sampling Sushi
Reviews of two local Sushi spots By: Hayden Elder
Living in Columbia we have the unique opportunity to get a taste of other cultures’ cuisines. People from all over the world have set up shop around the city, offering everything from Polish pierogis to Indian curry. Recently, I had the opportunity to taste two of the best Japanese (specifically sushi) restaurants in town: Sake and Geisha. Both restaurants are located downtown, Sake on 10th Street and Geisha right off Broadway, which adds to their modern vibes. Similarities stop there though, the interiors are as different as fire and ice. Sake is clean, modern, and very quiet. It has relaxed decorations, and is a bit more upscale than its competitor. Geisha, on the other hand, is in your face from the second the door opens. Multiple flat screens are scattered on the walls, all showing wild K-pop videos; the crazy stars become your dancing companions throughout the meal. Overall, Geisha has a fast-paced and loud environment, while Sake is a little more laid back. The selections are similar at both restaurants, although Sake has a much more extensive menu. Sake offers a few entrees, from steak to scallops, and a load of sushi rolls. The plating is very upscale, and does a great job of making the food appealing. I had the aptly named “Volcano Roll,” a spicy crab, avocado, and cucumber roll topped with sriracha, wasabi, and their TNT mix. It was balanced and flavorful, but could have used a bit more spice. The
“gyoza,” pork and cabbage dumplings, were also a great starter. I was impressed with the food, and it was a calm and quiet meal. Geisha, again, was the exact opposite. Their rolls, if you purchase anything from the “Fire Sushi” section of the menu, arrive on a small ship with smoke from dried ice pouring out the sides. My personal favorite sushi was the White Tiger, a shrimp, cucumber, and cream cheese roll topped with a fish mix. It offered a very developed flavor, along with a nice kick at the end. The appetizers were similar to Sake, although each diner had the option of miso soup or seaweed salad (my new least favorite dish in Columbia) with their meal. As I said before, Columbia offers some fantastic choices in multicultural cuisine; and Sake and Geisha are some amazing Japanese offerings. Both have great menus and delicious selections, the deciding factors are price and atmosphere. Geisha is a bit cheaper (around on $10.00 average for a roll, $5.00 or $6.00 for appetizers), and Sake is more upscale (about $12.00 a roll, and $7.00 for appetizers). Geisha is loud and proud, almost to the point of being obnoxious; while Sake is quiet and laid back. My choice? Sake is perfect for a nice dinner, while Geisha is more of a Friday night college kid’s dream. I’ll see you at Sake; just keep it down.
This year an honors option is offered for almost every course available while AP courses are offered in science, math, social studies, English, foreign languages, and the arts. AP stands for advanced placement and is a college level course taught in the high school classroom. AP courses have the option to take a test for college credit at the end of the year. Honors simply means the curriculum goes more in depth in than a general course. The way that CPS approaches eligibility for AP and even honors courses is unique in that there are no prerequisites, teacher recommendations, or grade requirements to take an AP class. If you want to take an AP class all you have to do is write down the class on your schedule and then you are officially an AP student. Considering that AP classes are college level courses regardless of being taken in high school, concepts still have to be taught at a quicker pace than in the normal level course. Students and faculty at Battle have varying opinions on how accessible AP and honors courses should be. AP World History teacher Mr. Corrigan says that
when he was in high school teacher recommendations were an important part of getting into an AP class.
“I feel like if you’re at that level you should have some of those certain skills already,” said Cole.
Today, as an AP teacher, Corrigan says, “Anyone willing should be able to take an AP class if they wish, but they should be aware that it comes with extra reading, extra writing, and harder workloads.”
When asked about the GPA requirement, he agreed with Brett that it would be unfair because someone may not excel at English and that might be lowering their GPA, but that shouldn’t restrict them from taking an AP math class.
This general idea is shared by many of the teachers at Battle especially the ones who teach an AP class. Brett Henry, a sophomore student at Battle who is enrolled in Mr. Corrigan’s AP World History class and other honors courses, said he took AP because he enjoyed the environment of these classes. “The students actually want to learn and the teachers are passionate about the topic and do anything they can to help you learn,” said Henry. When asked if he thinks there should be a GPA requirement for taking an AP class Henry immediately responded that it would be unfair to limit people because of their grades. Riley Cole is a freshman who was enrolled in many honors classes and no AP courses until sophomore year. Cole said he would pursue an AP class more if there was an entry test to get in, that way you would get a general idea if you would be in way over your head or if you can adjust to the larger workload.
Many AP students are concerned about the AP test at the end of April, which if they pass would qualify them for free college credit, plus the smaller test fee. The tests are based off of their knowledge of the curriculum and often involve essays. Some students are worried that if people who aren’t ready for an AP class slow down their learning experience it will hurt their ability to perform well on the exam. There are many ways to limit the accessibility of AP and honors courses, such as an entry test, GPA requirements, teacher recommendations or required reading levels. Any of these methods may eventually come to CPS, but currently the heavy push for education after high school is causing students who might not be academically prepared as their peers to enroll in AP. While it’s important to allow everyone to have a shot at higher education, it’s unfair to allow students who aren’t as serious to jeopardize others chance at affordable education.
Senior Hype
Making decisions for the future
By: Hannah Dietzel
This story is for all the seniors out there sitting on the edges of their seats ready to be done with high school. We have so many different thoughts rushing through our heads. We might know what we want to go to college for... but what if we change our minds? My plan is to attend MACC for two years. After that, I want to move to New York City and work for a magazine company writing fashion stories. I would get paid to dress up all the time and interview interesting people. The best part of the job would be writing about what I love most.
We all have dreams like that. Dreams that seem too impossible to ever achieve. However you will never achieve your dreams if you never go after them. I have come to the realization that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Never let your boyfriend, girlfriend, friends, or parents make your decisions. That’s all you baby! You are who you are, and you should do what works for you. It’s easy to make decisions based on other’s opinions. Never let the someone else’s opinion change the way you do things. Everyone is different, and we have to learn how to make decisions by ourselves.
I believe we can all all find ways to stay positive through life’s changes. I love hearing what my friends are planning after high school, and I am excited for them even though I won’t see them as much in the future. We all have to swallow the fact that life will lead us in new directions. Life is short and and you have to live it for yourself. Never get too hung up on your friends, because in the end you have to decide what is best. So, the next time someone asks you, “What are you doing after graduation?” have an answer ready - your own!
Tiger Family Chiropractic and Wellness Center
“Feel Like Yourself Again”
Chiropractic care is from everyone from newborns to grandparents. Athletes and the average student can all benefit from chiropractic care! Decrease headaches, eliminate pain and stiffness, and improve the health of your spine. We offer hours before and after school including Saturdays. Call 573-443-1414 to schedule an appointment today!