CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Counselors and administrators at George Washington High School told interim WVU President Peter Magrath on Wednesday they're worried that new math and science requirements could make some kids more likely to drop out.

Magrath visited the South Hills high school for a roundtable discussion with staff and students. Others from WVU joining Magrath - who had earlier met with Gov. Joe Manchin - included his chief of staff, Jay Cole; director of undergraduate recruitment Jamie Ealy; associate provost David Miller; and Board of Governors chairwoman Carolyn Long. 

Much of their discussion with GW staff centered on the state Department of Education's Policy 2510, which requires college-bound students to take more advanced math and science classes.

"As a counselor, I've been very torn," counselor Kackie Eller said, explaining that she feels forced to put students in classes for which they're not prepared.

"I think it's probably the most frustrating policy that we've had to deal with in recent years," said Billie Walker, another counselor. "[Students] start to feel stupid. They start to feel like, 'Maybe I'm not college material.'"

Some students who plan to major in subjects such as theater have trouble understanding why they have to take honors chemistry classes, Walker said.

Magrath and staff members also discussed the importance of inspiring students to plan for life after college. 

"We have a lot of kids who don't have a goal for the future," said Principal Melissa Ruddle.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Counselors and administrators at George Washington High School told interim WVU President Peter Magrath on Wednesday they're worried that new math and science requirements could make some kids more likely to drop out.

Magrath visited the South Hills high school for a roundtable discussion with staff and students. Others from WVU joining Magrath - who had earlier met with Gov. Joe Manchin - included his chief of staff, Jay Cole; director of undergraduate recruitment Jamie Ealy; associate provost David Miller; and Board of Governors chairwoman Carolyn Long. 

Much of their discussion with GW staff centered on the state Department of Education's Policy 2510, which requires college-bound students to take more advanced math and science classes.

"As a counselor, I've been very torn," counselor Kackie Eller said, explaining that she feels forced to put students in classes for which they're not prepared.

"I think it's probably the most frustrating policy that we've had to deal with in recent years," said Billie Walker, another counselor. "[Students] start to feel stupid. They start to feel like, 'Maybe I'm not college material.'"

Some students who plan to major in subjects such as theater have trouble understanding why they have to take honors chemistry classes, Walker said.

Magrath and staff members also discussed the importance of inspiring students to plan for life after college. 

"We have a lot of kids who don't have a goal for the future," said Principal Melissa Ruddle.

Eller said she wants WVU to better showcase its academic offerings so students know it's "more than a football school with a great tailgate in the parking lot."

After meeting with staff, Magrath talked with most of the school's 14 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. He encouraged them to study their passions and answered several questions.

Student Jane Bullock asked whether Magrath supported lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. Last month, a group of more than 100 college chiefs across the country called on lawmakers to consider lowering the legal age, saying it hasn't helped curb binge drinking. 

 Magrath did not sign onto the project, called the Amethyst Initiative. He told the students he grew up drinking wine with his dinner.

"I don't have a problem with controlled drinking," he said.

But he said he worried that lowering the drinking age could tempt young people to drink more, leading to an increase in drunken driving deaths.

Reach Alison Knezevich at alis...@wvgazette.com or 348-1240.