York Schools to Host Forums on Proposed H.S. Schedule Change

By Amber Lester Wednesday, October 06, 2010

York County parents have a chance to weigh in on the school division’s proposal to change high school schedules at four open forums this month. The first is on Thursday.

Each of the meetings will include a presentation of information and a question and answer session. Prior to Thursday’s meeting, answers to Frequently Asked Questions will be posted here.

Currently, students take seven classes each semester. Six of the classes meet on alternating days, and one class meets daily. On a hybrid 4 X 4 schedule, students would attend four 90-minute classes every day for a semester, earning full credit at the completion of the semester. In the spring semester, students would start all over again with four new classes. Some classes, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, ROTC and performing arts, would make up the “hybrid” schedule; those classes would meet on alternating days for the full year.

A committee of administrators, parents, teachers and students delivered a recommendation for approval of the hybrid 4 X 4 schedule at a Sept. 13 work session. In its research, the committee visited Thomas Edison High School in Fairfax County and Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg. The committee members said they found the following benefits to the hybrid 4 X 4: more chances to retake failed classes; fewer classes to keep up with per semester; and more face time with teachers.

But 11 people spoke out against the possible drawbacks of a 4 X 4 schedule at the Sept. 27 school board meeting. They were concerned that performing arts classes and foreign language would suffer under the new schedule; that teachers will struggle to fill 90 minutes of class time; that students will go too long without a math course by the time they take the SATs; that transferred military children will struggle to catch up; that too many students will be taking the yearlong courses; and that SOL testing twice a year will leave less time for learning the material.

Helen Riley, a foreign language teacher at Bruton High School, said it was already difficult to teach language to students far past the prime ages to learn a second language. “Language acquisition takes time,” she said. “If we change to the 4 X 4, the pacing will be dramatically changed. Can we guarantee sequential class schedules?”

Kim Voska, president of the York Education Association, said the proposal sounds “too good to be true.” She said she’s heard that the arts classes have suffered in Chesapeake public schools, which utilize block scheduling, and recommended the board give more information to the students who will be affected before making a decision.

Parent Wes Hawkins said that when his family lived in Western North Carolina, it was “common knowledge” that block scheduling only gave students more time to goof off. “I’m a professional and I don’t have a 90-minute attention span,” he said. “We’d like you to stick with the current program.”

At that time, Superintendent Eric Williams told the audience, “Obviously what I hear is a sincere interest in maintaining the standard of education in York County … the committee looked at and wrestled with the concerns raised here. The committee did not start with the idea that the system is broken, but to explore options. Many members didn’t want to change, but came to the conclusion it could be beneficial.”

To read more about the proposal, click here.