What current students think about ROP classes designed for career-focused education
As students plan their schedules each year, one unique option stands out for some juniors and seniors: the Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) courses. Unlike traditional classes that focus on teaching theory, ROP classes provide students with a glimpse of what life looks like in a specific career. These classes promise hands-on career technical education, as well as other real-world skills for a wide range of careers students are interested in pursuing.
“ROP classes give students a chance to see what a job is really like before committing to a career after graduation,” Marwa Rahmani (11) said. Rahmani takes the Medical Assisting ROP class and believes her ROP to be a more important class than any regular one she takes.
“ROP bridges the gap between the workplace and school in general,” Rahmani added. “Over there, they take you very seriously, as if you are a college medical student. They don’t just assign whatever for students to just ChatGPT, they actually give you hands-on experience”. In addition, she explained that the ROP professors are much more strict about assignments, as each one is intentional and is meant to give the student more experience with a vital skill.
One common concern for students applying is whether or not it is worth it to take up two periods for one class. An ROP class is off campus and requires more than the time allotted to a single class period in AHS. This is due to the fact that the courses are in much more detail, and transportation to get to the courses also takes some time.
However, many current ROP students believe that taking up two periods for this is worth it. They noted that the extended time allows for deeper learning. Instead of rushing into lessons and tests, they feel that the larger block of time allows students to go through the lessons in detail and complete meaningful projects.
Students in Pharmaceutical Tech do a pill-counting lab that stimulates the role of a filler (Photo Credit: Chloe Dang (12)).
“It doesn’t feel like you are wasting time,” said Chloe Dang (12). “The curriculum is very specific for a career field,” she added. Dang takes the Pharmaceutical Technician ROP and explains that the distinct curriculum in her ROP is very useful. “At the end of the year, they also pay for our certification,” Dang said.
In addition, ROP classes are a fresh approach to learning. For students who struggle with lecture-based classes, ROP classes provide more hands-on activities that enrich students. They teach responsibility while teaching students in ways that don’t require them to sit still and simply memorize things.
“At first it’s a little nerve-racking, but the skills you gain from ROPs are worth thousands of dollars, and we get them for free,” Dang said. As registration for ROPs opens up, consider taking a course that could potentially save you from years of studying for a career you don’t like.
Eagle Era 
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