Foster a passion for learning

In today's world of standardized tests and heightened academic standards, we sometimes neglect the heart and soul of learning: engaging the interests and passion of our students. For this reason, I have mixed feelings about two initiatives recently adopted by state education officials.

The State Board of Education recently increased high school graduation requirements to four years of English and three years each of math and science. Utah also recently joined a national Student Scholar program to provide incentives for students to take four years each of English and math, 3 1/2 years of social studies, three years of science and two years of a foreign language.

On the positive side, both initiatives seek to prepare our students to enter and complete college. The initiatives also properly raise expectations for our students. Goals and standards provide purpose, framework and confidence that promote learning.

My concerns, however, stem from the specificity of the increased graduation requirements and incentives. While increased expectations provide healthy motivation, they spur greater development if they relate to areas of our interests and if we set them or at least tailor them ourselves. Furthermore, some students simply quit or drop out, curtailing progress altogether, when goals set by others seem unattainable or don't match their interests.

Thomas Friedman, New York Times columnist and author, penned the bestselling book "The World Is Flat," describing the rapid globalization of our economy. He expresses concern for U.S. students' competency in math and science. However, when asked whether he encourages students to take Chinese and more math and science courses, he answers in effect, "Not necessarily."

In a commencement address, he stated that "the enduring skill" needed in a flat world is "an ability to learn how to learn," so that we can readily adapt to rapid changes. How does he suggest that students learn how to learn? By loving to learn. Specifically, Friedman recommends that students identify the best teachers in their schools and take their classes, whether they teach Greek mythology or physics. In this way, interest and love for learning are spawned.

We should also not reduce students' opportunities to take classes that interest them — classes in which a budding interest can blossom. We otherwise miss the opportunity to capitalize on vital curiosity and enthusiasm. Friedman says, "Bringing joy and passion and optimism to your work is not what you get to do when you get to the top. It is HOW you get to the top."