It seems like high school students should learn how to code during the earlier years in high school.
Classes like AP Computer Science are usually taken later during junior or senior year. 
Here is an interesting article about online classes that teach students how to code.

I believe that the Common Core's push from rote memorization to creative thinking is great for California.  Michael Kirst, President of the State Board of Education and Stanford Professor, shares some of his ideas:

"The Common Core standards change all that, focusing on key knowledge students need in a logical sequence. Fourth-grade math, for example, becomes a master class in fractions. Why fractions? They're the key to unlocking the language of algebra. Algebra, in turn, is the gateway to probability, statistics and higher mathematics.

The new standards for reading and writing take a similar, staircase approach through the grades, with students asked to gradually understand more and more challenging texts, and compose arguments based on evidence and research. Students will write less about their feelings, and more about what they can prove - better preparation for both college term papers and reports to the boss.

No one is more crucial to this work than teachers, who will need time and training to replace the old emphasis on rote memorization with new lessons that include student ability to analyze, evaluate, derive and model concepts.....

The right tests are vital as well. Multiple-choice assessments were never designed to measure the deeper learning called for by the Common Core, so we must transition to ones that measure learning in new ways. The new, computer-adaptive tests will include performance tasks and questions that require extended responses. No doubt it will take our students time to learn these new skills, so it's important to remember that test results are meant to provide information about student progress, not a measure of their potential."

For the full article, see "New Common Core standards are right for California."

1.  Obtaining letter of recommendations from teachers - Students should obtain letter of recommendations from their teachers as early as sophomore year.  By doing so, students have an assortment of letters to choose from during senior year's college application.  Many students wait until senior year to reach out to their teachers.  They realize they have no recommendation letters.  I believe the UC schools requires 3 letters.  Obtaining letters also encourages students to be proactive and talk to their teachers outside of the class (during office hours, for example).  Sometimes, the career counselors do not cover the importance of this.

2.  Do not spread yourself too thin in extracurriculars - Many students involve themselves in too many organizations so that they "look good" on their college resume.  Students should participate in one extracurricular at a deeper level, rather than several.  The college application essay often explores the motivation behind one extracurricular.  It should be a story.  The story should be authentic and strategic at the same time.

3.  Choosing hard and easy classes - During the beginning of the year, students hear about each teacher's reputation (i.e. Ms. Smith is a tough grader but you learn a lot in the class).  There is often a trade off between getting a good grade in a class and actually learning in the class.  Students should be aware of their comfort level and choose a mix of hard and easy teachers so that they can strike a balance between padding their GPAs and truly learning the material.  

Self-awareness is key.  I think as long as students are aware of the choices they make, are purposeful in the extracurriculars they choose, and reach out to the right teachers, they will succeed at Uni high.

Carrie Finley-Bajak, 10th grade representative of the PTSA, will be giving a presentation at the "Each One Teach One" meeting.   The purpose of this meeting is to inform new parents to the Irvine community about the educational resources available to students.

Wednesday, October 15, 2013
7-8pm 
Room 201 
University High School 
Irvine, CA

My friend Ulf helped me publish my new video!  Check it out on the front page.

A look into the difference between the ACT and the SAT, and why you may consider taking one or the other or both.

"more-students-are-taking-both-the-act-and-sat"