The graduation plan that outlined the content of schedules will, for the most part, not affect future students, but for the current student body it seems like a case of too little, too late.

Packaged within House Bill 5 and coupled with a change from 15 to five STARR tests required for graduation, students entering as freshmen for the 2014-15 school year will require four years of English and three years of science, math and social studies. Supporters of the bill claim the reduction in the four main academic classes will allow students to have greater freedom in choosing more specialized electives in preparation for future college majors.

At first look, students seem shortchanged. In a time when college education has more and more emphasis heaped upon it, many will say that cutting and removing class requirements cannot be the logical course of action.

Yet these changes open up slots for desired courses, academic or elective.

If a student wishes to enter college with a greater amount of college credit, the new policy allows more leeway in choosing advanced placement courses. If a student wants to begin early training and education to pursue a specific job after graduation, they have the choice to sign up for appropriate related courses. This applies to any student pursuing any career or students searching for the “right” career by attending different electives.

This policy change provides freedom of choice. It grants students the opportunity to have a greater say in their class choices and schedules. Despite the timing of this change in policy, it looks like a step in the right direction.

Besides, many of the students disappointed that the change will not apply to them, in a year or more, will have graduated and made the transition into the real world.