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High school student reps tell board course choice driven by interest, rigor and scheduling pain points
Summary
Student representatives from Brookfield East and Brookfield Central told the board that interest and perceived difficulty lead course choices; students asked for an easier course‑selection layout, semester options for 'launch' programs and later deadlines to allow decisions after third‑term grades.
Student representatives from Brookfield East and Brookfield Central updated the Elmbrook School District Board on student feedback about course selection, saying students prioritize interest and perceived rigor when choosing classes and want improvements to the district’s course‑selection process.
Brookfield East and Brookfield Central representatives said students generally weigh three factors: academic rigor and workload, interest in the subject (including intended college major), and graduation requirements. "A lot of people mentioned difficulty, rigor, and course load," the Brookfield East representative said, emphasizing that students try to match difficulty with what they can complete successfully. The Brookfield Central representative added students also look at prerequisites, peer reviews of classes and future goals.
Students and student leaders detailed specific suggestions for improving the process. Common requests included a more user‑friendly online course selection interface or an academic planner to visualize schedules; more alternating‑day class options so students involved in band or choir can fit elective coursework; offering “Launch” strand classes as single‑semester options rather than full semesters; and moving the course‑selection deadline later, to give students three‑week grades into third term before finalizing choices.
Representatives described stronger alignment between elective offerings and career or college pathways in areas such as business, engineering and STEM, but said options were limited for global studies, law and politics beyond Advanced Placement offerings. One Brookfield Central representative told the board 90% of surveyed students felt available courses aligned well with future educational interests, while some requested greater variety across career clusters.
Board members asked about guidance availability. Students said grade‑level counselor meetings are mandatory in fall and that counselors are accessible for individual appointments; some students suggested better promotion of individual counseling options. The board and superintendent noted course selection drives staffing and budget planning across middle and high schools, and acknowledged moving deadlines can complicate other timelines.
No formal board action was taken; the report will inform district planning for scheduling and budget timelines.
