York County Considering Schedule Change For High Schools

By Amber Lester Tuesday, September 14, 2010

York County high school students will likely be facing a different class schedule in the 2011-2012 school year.

The York County Schools administration is recommending the school board approve a plan to switch its four high schools from a current schedule of seven classes a day to a “hybrid 4 X 4” schedule. The board members seemed receptive to the idea at a Monday work session, where a committee of parents, educators and one student presented their recommendation of the new schedule.

On a hybrid 4 X 4 schedule, students attend four 90-minute classes every day for a semester, earning full credit at the completion of the semester. When the new semester begins, the students start four new classes, similar to how college courses are scheduled. Some classes, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, ROTC and performing arts, make up the “hybrid” schedule; those classes meet on alternating days.

Chief Academic Officer Stephanie Guy told the board that with the hybrid 4 X 4 schedule, high school students could take at least eight classes each year, adding up to 32 credits over four years. For example, a ninth-grader might take English, Health & Physical Education and Algebra every day, but alternate two electives for his or her fourth block.

A committee was formed to explore the option last fall. The committee, which included parents, teachers, students, administrators and school board office representatives, explored three schedule options — seven classes a semester, eight classes a semester or four classes a semester.

The committee visited two high schools with the 4 X 4 schedule, Thomas Edison High School in Fairfax County and Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg. While there, they interviewed parents, students, teachers and administrators. Once they had reviewed their notes and data, they felt confident in their recommendation of the 4 X 4 schedule.

The committee members presented several benefits of the schedule change. Guy said the schedule meets the needs of both accelerated learners and struggling students; the students who have fallen behind have fewer classes to keep up with and the schedule offers an increased opportunity for credit recovery.

Teachers have their students every day, which means they’ll likely get to know each student better than under the current schedule, which has each teacher instructing an average of 125 students a year. Teachers also have a chance to hone their skills over the course of the year, because they’ll have the opportunity to teach the same class both semesters.

The board members had a few concerns, such as how athletics, foreign language study and AP testing would change under a hybrid 4X4 schedule, but Guy said there would be little change. AP classes will be for the entire year, so testing wouldn’t be affected, and both coaches and foreign language teachers said the schedule would not be detrimental to their students.

Next, the administration will meet with the leadership teams at each high school to address their concerns. If the board approves the change, a planning committee will be formed to steer the transition and parent forums will be held to get input.

York High School Principal Antonia Fox addressed those who wonder why the division would fix what isn’t broken. “This is an option that opens doors,” she said. “It could be beyond adequate.”