Arlington High School students propose interactive catalog to improve course selection

In a vibrant gathering at Arlington High School, students took center stage to present a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the way course selections are made. The June 4 School Committee meeting buzzed with anticipation as Rohan Pingle and Toby Dixler unveiled their interactive course catalog, a project born from their civics action class.

The duo highlighted a pressing issue: the current program of studies, a cumbersome text-heavy Google document, has left many students feeling overwhelmed and disengaged. Their research revealed that a significant portion of students—over 50%—expressed a desire for changes to the existing system, which they found confusing and difficult to navigate. Notably, freshmen seemed particularly unaware of their elective options, indicating a gap in communication and engagement.

The proposed interactive catalog promises to simplify the course selection process. With clear descriptions, filters, and user-friendly features, it aims to enhance student understanding and involvement in their educational journey. Feedback from peers during testing was overwhelmingly positive, with many students preferring the new format over the traditional document.

Pingle and Dixler's vision extends beyond mere aesthetics; they seek to create a tool that benefits not only students but also parents and school counselors. By providing a centralized platform for course information, they hope to foster better collaboration and support for students as they plan their academic futures.

As the presentation concluded, the students requested the School Committee's approval to integrate their interactive catalog into the Arlington Public Schools system. They emphasized the importance of ongoing feedback and iteration, aiming to refine the tool based on user experiences. The committee members were invited to test a prototype and provide their insights, marking a collaborative step towards enhancing educational resources in Arlington.

This initiative reflects a growing trend in education, where student voices are increasingly shaping the tools and systems that support their learning. As Arlington moves forward, the success of this interactive course catalog could set a precedent for other districts, showcasing the power of student-led innovation in education.