Block scheduling, part 3

Hello everyone,

The discussion on block scheduling continues. There are some emails below. I give my answers or comments (if I have any) in BLOCK LETTERS.

1. What about the football players who will each miss the equivalent to 20 regular classes if block scheduling is implemented during the Fall? Is period 6 going to be scheduled for Fridays? I love the idea of block scheduling, and I will probably vote for it, but what about the athletes? --Curious?

I TALKED TO MR. DEL CUETO ABOUT THIS AND LOOKED AT THE SCHEDULE. THE PLAN IS FOR COACHES TO HAVE THEIR CONFERENCE PERIODS DURING 3RD PERIOD. THAT WAY, THE COACHES WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER LUNCH EVERY DAY. PERIOD 6 WILL BE SCHEDULED ON FRIDAYS, ALLOWING FOR THE HIGH PERCENTAGE OF ATHLETIC EVENTS THAT HAPPEN ON THOSE DAYS. THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS WOULD MISS NO CLASSES (THEY FORMERLY MISSED 5TH PERIOD ALONG WITH THEIR FOOTBALL CLASS DURING 6TH). ON THE RARE DAYS THAT FOOTBALL GAMES HAPPEN ON DAYS OTHER THAN FRIDAYS, THE STUDENTS MIGHT MISS 3RD PERIOD.

IF ANY GAMES FROM ANY SPORTS ARE SCHEDULED ON MONDAYS OR THURSDAYS, THEN ATHLETES WOULD MISS ALL OR PART OF 3RD PERIOD. THE HOPE WOULD BE TO MAKE THAT "PART," NOT "ALL" OF 3RD PERIOD--IF IT HAPPENS.

CURRENTLY, GARFIELD TRIES TO KEEP THE MOST RIGOROUS, UPPER-DIVISION CLASSES (CLASSES THAT ATHLETES ARE LIKELY TO NEED) DURING 1-4 PERIODS, AVOIDING 5TH AND 6TH. IT MIGHT BE WORTH CONSIDERING MOVING MORE ELECTIVES TO 3RD PERIOD INSTEAD OF 5TH. THAT WOULD BE WORTH BRINGING UP.

2. I don't know if this is kosher or not, but I discussed the proposed schedule briefly with each of my classes. Of course, I expect that posturing and peer pressure were at least partially responsible for some of their responses, but the feeling was that the kids who don't come to school or come late will be more likely to not show up at all. Obviously, this would be a very big problem if it were true. Can we depend on the teachers to use this time effectively? Will teachers receive support? Will there be a system of accountability that ensures that teachers do use the blocks effectively, or at least make an effort to?

I'M NOT SURE IF I FOLLOW THE KIDS' REASONING THAT THE SCHEDULE WOULD MAKE IT MORE LIKELY FOR THEM TO DITCH THE ENTIRE DAY. I FRANKLY EXPECT THE NUMBERS OF LATE STUDENTS TO BE AFFECTED BY THE ADVISORY PERIOD, BUT WHETHER ADVISORY ABSORBS THE LATENESS, AS INTENDED, OR SIMPLY ALLOWS FOR STUDENTS TO DITCH ADVISORY AND SHOW UP LATE FOR THE ACADEMIC PERIOD REMAINS TO BE SEEN. IT'S WORTH A SHOT TO SEE IF WE CAN STEM THE TIDE OF LATE ARRIVALS DURING FIRST PERIOD, AND, AT WORST, REDIRECT THEM TO A NON-ACADEMIC ADVISORY PERIOD WHERE THEY CAN BE COUNSELED BY SOMEONE WHO SEES THEM DAILY.

TO SUGGEST THAT WE CANNOT DEPEND ON TEACHERS TO USE THE TIME EFFECTIVELY WOULD BE TO CAST ASPERSIONS ON OUR COLLEAGUES. I THINK THAT TEACHERS THAT CAN BE DEPENDED ON NOW CAN CERTAINLY BE DEPENDED ON THEN. LET'S HOPE THAT NONE OF US ARE UNDEPENDABLE.

1ST AND 2ND YEAR TEACHERS WILL CONTINUE TO GET SUPPORT FROM ME. BTSA TEACHERS WILL CONTINUE TO GET BTSA SUPPORT (THE SUPPORT PROVIDER SITUATION WOULDN'T CHANGE BECAUSE OF THE SCHEDULE CHANGE). SINCE THE ADMINISTRATION IS VERY MOTIVATED FOR THIS CHANGE TO WORK, THEY WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE LOTS OF SUPPORT TO HELP IT WORK.

ACCOUNTABILITY ISSUES ARE CONTRACTUAL. THE CONTRACT WON'T CHANGE.

3. I realize that my experience in the subject of block period teaching is limited. Something else should be discussed. I've been ... in South Gate where they have block schedules. This is a year round school (180 days), smaller and more intimate enrollment, shorter periods and prizes for attendance. These are some of the differences that may give a greater opportunity for success. Today's teachers face a world with different societal demands and interests of the participants. Not all changes may be better in the field as they may appear on paper. I am but one opinion and would appreciate more.

I GATHER THAT THE SCHEDULE IS SUCCESSFUL IN SOUTH GATE. IT APPEARS FROM WHAT YOU'VE WRITTEN THAT THE SUCCESS MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO A DIFFERENT YEAR ROUND SCHEDULE THAN WE HAVE AND SMALLER ENROLLMENT--THINGS THAT WE CAN'T CHANGE. OUR PERIODS WILL BE LONGER BECAUSE OF OUR CONCEPT 6 DAYS. WE COULD GIVE PRIZES FOR ATTENDANCE; WE DO THAT ALREADY, BUT IF SOUTH GATE'S ATTENDANCE REWARD MODEL IS DIFFERENT AND MORE SUCCESSFUL, IT WOULD BE WORTH SUGGESTING HERE.

KEEP THOSE CARDS AND LETTERS COMIN'.

JEFF COMBE