We believe that the best option for our schedule next school year is a modified block schedule. This would mean that in the week, there would be two block days and three 6-period days. What does a “modified” block mean? Technically we already have a modified block, in that not every one of our five school days is blocked. Mondays are currently Banking Days.
The proposed Modified Block Schedule would have the same Monday we have now (Banking), block Tuesday, all six classes meet Wednesday, block Thursday, all six classes meet on Friday.
Why do we advocate the Modified Block?
Less pressure for all students. For example, with six periods every single day, we could end up with homework from every class!
Two block days will give students and teachers a breather to take time on assignments and then get prepared for days with all six classes. It allows for a little break in the week. Sometimes when work starts to pile up, it’s less stressful knowing that the assignment isn’t due the next day.
Another of the plus sides to block schedule is that students have a longer time to take tests. If every class meets every day for 55 minutes, the time to take tests is shortened. You might even find yourself with six tests in one day!
In addition to test taking, blocks are also great for labs and presentations. In the science classes, the 90 minute block allows for an educational and fun lab that’s not rushed. Similarly classes that are very project and presentation based, like AP Seminar, AP Research, culinary and art classes, benefit from an extended class period. Finally, having a long block period one day in the week can come in handy when doing those bigger assignments.
Having some block days would also be a great opportunity for students to catch up on homework, as they wouldn’t have every class again the next day.
Overall, having a modified block schedule benefits both students and teachers more than a traditional schedule, and is, in our opinion, the better choice for next year’s schedule.
We hope teachers agree, and vote for the modified block schedule.