At the academy the aim is for students to excel academically and thrive emotionally. However, as the workload increases, so do concerns about students’ well-being.
Ideally, high school is a place where students not only achieve academic success, but also flourish emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This is an ambitious goal and ongoing challenge set upon the students and staff on campus.
“Brighter Horizons Academy is a model educational institution that produces generations of leaders to be successful in this life and the Hereafter.”- Vision Statement of BHA
While the school has a great curriculum and a history of academic success, worries about student well-being are growing as the workload intensifies with many students stating they feel it is very stressful.
Wahaj Uddin, freshman, shares his perspective on the workload: “I feel that the workload at BHA is very heavy and it is something that is very difficult to manage even if you are not procrastinating, and doing the best you can; you’re still sleeping late and have a huge amount of stress on your shoulders. AP classes don’t help. That just takes a toll on you overall.”
While some feel that the workload is too heavy, others believe it is manageable if students use their time wisely. Freshman Sulaiman Mohammed, gives his perspective on the matter: “I don’t really feel all that stressed. It’s just about managing my time wisely. I always make sure to start my work as soon as I get home. Usually, I end up finishing in time and even have some time to spare! I definitely do think AP classes do pack some pressure on me, but overall the workload is reasonable and manageable.”
While opinions on student workload differ, there is a relatively clear opinion reflected by students on the school policy of a maximum of two tests per day, and the impact multiple tests given on the same day can have on students. “BHA tells you that there is a policy which says there are no more than two tests per day, but there are many instances where that policy isn’t strictly upheld. There are instances where three tests are put, and no teacher will be willing to budge and we will have three tests. So what I think is important is there has to be a new system of coordination. If each teacher tells us I only gave you one test or quiz, and every teacher does that, we’ll have 10 tests in one day. I believe the policy needs to be more strictly upheld.”, says Uddin.
Social Studies teacher, Ms. Shamsa Ashraf provides insight on her students’ workload, “Currently, I teach 8th grade History and 9th AP Human Geography. Each class has a different workload that is appropriate for the rigor of the class. So I believe I do assign a fair workload.”
Qur’an Teacher, Ms. Nouhad Sahyouni, shares her opinion on the subject of Qur’an in a student’s daily life, “To be honest, I think I am giving my students fewer assignments than I should. We should incorporate the Qur’an as much as possible into our daily lives because it is our way of life. I will not change the policy of assessments.” Sahyouni elaborates, “Sadly, if there is no assessment in the form of a test or quiz, students do not review or study what they learn in class. If students can just learn how to set priorities and manage their time, they will have plenty of time for homework and studying.”
While teachers generally feel they give students manageable levels of work that they can handle, they also interpret the school’s policy on the number of assessments needed per quarter to fit the needs of the subject being taught. For Ms. Ashraf’s social studies classes, she explains, “Currently we have 2-3 tests per quarter and 3-4 quizzes. I personally like to have 2 tests and 3 quizzes.”
Teachers state that tests are necessary to ensure students review the knowledge they learn in school and retain it. Communicating with students regarding upcoming assessments or their performance in class can be viewed as a crucial part of the learning experience and a student’s workload. “I think I communicate well with them [the students], but students need to practice speaking with their teachers more often.”, Ms. Sahyouni states.
Ms. Ashraf, also shares in regards to her communication with her students, “I hope it is solid. For my 8th grade classes their daily agenda is posted on the Sycamore calendar and for my 9th grade AP class, I post a monthly calendar that allows them to know exactly what they will be learning the entire month.”
As the school year passes, students still have trouble with workload management and meeting their teacher’s standards. Sulaiman Mohammed, freshman, said “Please, for my sanity, reduce the workload. Us students can’t handle it for much longer!”. While students are affected by a heavy workload, students and teachers have started to form an understanding of managing workload and academic expectations.
