A typical day in a high school. So different, for so many students. A big trend several years ago was to have block scheduling. Students would basically have a double period of a subject and have that class every other day. Some of the supposed benefits of this would allow for longer time to do hands on projects in school (science labs, tech., art, etc.). Not a bad idea, but when teachers call it quits 10 -15 minutes early because they didn’t plan properly, I don’t see much benefit in that. This trend of block scheduling seems to have faded, but in one of the schools I work in they are still “going strong” with blocks. They have an even different take on this. They do blocks, but have english/soc. in the 1st semester, and math/science 2nd semester. This may resemble how college classes are run, but are high school students ready for that kind of schedule? If they have a bad first marking period (problems at home, school, etc.) they are pretty much done for success in that class. If they had classes all year and had a bad marking period, there would be a better chance for success because they have 3 more marking periods to raise grades. This is just something I think about when I wonder are schools setting students up for success? Does this benefit the student , or is it easier for administration to schedule? I am not sure about the research behind the benefit of block schedule, but with most schools going back to a more traditional schedule I will assume the results were not great. I wonder if the students were ever asked what kind of schedule would work best for them? Why is it that students dont’ get to express their ideal school schedule? It would be interesting if the student had a strong union like the teachers what would happen. It should be our jobs as teachers to advocate and empower the students to speak up for their rights within the school about all topics (class electives, clubs, music, theater, athletics, govt., etc.) If you are not going to, who will?
March 14, 2008
9th EDTS 523
Posted by gkinslow under block schedule, student advocates, student rights[2] Comments
March 20, 2008 at 10:07 am
I have never heard of this block schedule in high school and it doesn’t seem like a good idea for all students. What if they had a choice to pick block schedules? I think students are not given enough choice in school pertaining to assignments or really anything. I think students will be more successful in school if they can decide what meets their needs. They will feel as if they have some control and then be more interested in school. I despised high school and absolutely loved college. I contribute this to being able to choose my own classes, complete assignments on my own time, and plan according to my schedule. Schools are not ready and willing to give power to students because so much is at stake with standardized tests.
You are right, teachers should advocate for their students, but many will not say a word until tenure. Teachers fear losing their jobs and will not stand up for what they belive in. My motto I live for is, do what’s right! Could you live with yourself if you lost the opportunity to make a difference? Many teachers could and that’s pretty scary!
March 23, 2008 at 6:47 pm
@Greg – great questions. I am surprised how early we make our high school students wake up and get to school in our district (bus picks them up at 7:00 AM), especially when the research is clear that this is NOT their optimal learning time – a time much better suited to the younger students. And, they tend to stay up later, especially with the evolution of the many social networking and digital communication tools that have emerged. But, as much as we would like it, you just can’t make everyone happy. So, teachers have to work with who they have and what they have – rarely an easy job.