I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects that the IXL learning program has had on students at my school. One of my friends was on the verge of attaining her goal in IXL when she got a single question wrong, and her 'smart score' plummeted. This experience was incredibly disheartening for her, and I have seen this scenario repeat over and over, affecting the mental well-being of my peers.

For three years, I have been engaged with IXL, not finding any real academic benefit, but rather a significant increase in stress and anxiety. The harsh penalization for incorrect answers and the overwhelming extra homework create a sense of burnout among students. IXL's requirement to complete monotonous exercises results in a negative impact on student motivation and mental health. This added stress is simply unnecessary when students are already managing multiple subjects and extracurricular commitments.

In the past, our freshmen were not required to use IXL, and their academic successes prove that students can thrive without it. Furthermore, many other high schools have chosen not to implement this program, which speaks volumes about its necessity and effectiveness.

We need alternative methods that promote learning in a supportive and effective manner. Schools should encourage the use of diverse, flexible learning tools tailored to individual student needs—not one that adds undue pressure. Educational success is not only about correct answers but also about nurturing a healthier, happier learning environment.

Join me in urging school administrators to ban the use of IXL in our schools. We must protect the mental well-being of our students and focus on more compassionate and beneficial approaches to their education. Together, let’s make a difference for our future generation. Please sign this petition to remove IXL and help high school students.

David Dirksen

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