Blocking the Debate Scheduling battles continue in search of the most versatile class arrangement By Lisa Fultz Student conversations are a-buzz in Hillsborough County and in King High School with concerns about proposed modifications to the 2001-2002-school schedule. When the school converted from the six-period day of 50-minute classes spanning the year to the block schedule of four 90-minute classes a day lasting for a semester, advocates for the separate schedules clashed. The complexity of the debate over the conflicting benefits of each plan continues.

On the current block schedule used, students take 90-minute classes every day, which squeezes year-round classes into a single semester. It provides increased class choices for students by increasing the number of classes they can take from 12 courses per year to 16.

Yet in the case of classes such as band, which can currently offer two wind instrument periods and one percussion period per day with the six period-schedule, there would be additional room for music theory and a jazz ensemble class.

In contrast, the journalism department would be dealt a harsh dose of time constraints if block scheduling were revoked. Currently, 90 percent of the staff members in the newspaper, yearbook, and television production classes remain in the class for 90 minutes for the year. "Currently with an hour and half every day in class, we are already stressed enough during deadlines. If the school went back to the 45 minute period, we would be two times as stressed and we would lose our focus," said senior Kerri Hernandez, co-editor-in-chief of the yearbook.

"The extra 30 minutes in class makes a large difference,” sophomore Demetrius McKinnon explained. “Students need time to understand the more complex subjects. We can focus on our homework with only four core classes. I think students would slack off and not do their homework if we returned to the old system."

Supporters of the block schedule report that the longer class time allows for increased amounts of in-class learning time, which increases student participation and student-teacher interactions. "It is easier having four classes a semester, because when exam time comes, I have less to study for. It is easier to focus on the material; I have noticed an improvement in my exam scores," said freshman Megan Spivey.

School records report that since the enactment of block scheduling, a decrease has occurred in the amount of student tardies and fights. Block scheduling decreases the amount of time that the students spend out of the classroom by decreasing the amount of time students spend traveling from one class to another from 42 minutes to 28.

"On the block schedule my students can practice the four elements of learning a new language-reading, writing, listening, and speaking, in one class period. The students have a longer chance to interact with each other in one sitting, and develop enthusiasm and cultural awareness," said Spanish teacher Mrs. Maime Ashby.

Opponents to the block schedule site the disadvantage of shortening annual courses into a semester and semester courses into quarter courses. Typing classes and foreign language classes involve skills that are learned by practicing over an extended period of time, which, some opponents to block schedule report, is hindered by the compression of the semester.

Another argument facilitated by challengers to the block schedule is that new material is introduced quickly, which may confuse students who feel the pace is too rapid. Sophomore Stephanie Snoderly agreed: "On block scheduling we learn everything so quickly. We need more time to learn the subject."

The International Baccalaureate Program at King has combined both the systems for an overall agreeable and successful plan. IB classes meet for an hour and a half every other day, allowing for a set of day one classes and a separate second day of classes that alternate. "The alternating day system,” as junior Nicole Crespo explained it, “works extremely well for us. We develop a yearlong relationship with our teachers, yet still benefit from being able to concentrate on four classes of homework each night. It also allows us to be well prepared for our AP exams; we are exposed to the material for an entire year and actually sit for the exam while we are still enrolled in the class."

While student opinions on the issue run rampant throughout the school, the final decision has been left up to the School Improvement Team, who set out to get the community involved by considering the final positions on the issue. The district also has a committee inspecting the financial aspects of reverting back to the six-period schedule. The qualified voters include certified professional employees of the district, such as teachers, administrators, guidance and media specialists.

As it stands now, students, who may be the most affected by the decision, have no direct influence on the settlement of this dilemma.

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