Two months ago Hastings Senior High started to use an A/B block Schedule to make room for “Tiger Team Time”, or T3, because class failure rates were on the rise and to build positive relationships between students and teachers. Many teachers and students embraced the schedule with opens arms while others resented the idea. The new schedule succeeded in giving students for time for homework but it presented a plethora of other problems with its implementation which raises the question, “Why not change to a true block schedule?”
Similar to an A/B schedule, the true block has four classes a day, but these classes are daily instead of alternating. Class schedule would change every quarter, rotating electives, while keeping core classes, such as math, science, language, etc., in the same semester.
School administration said the A/B block schedule will help students keep their grades up but has ultimately confused many. For example on Tuesdays and Thursdays there is no passing between C lunch and AB class. Students have to pay special attention to the clock otherwise by the time the bell has rung, they will already be late. A true block schedule has much simpler period system making it easier to not get confused or be late.
The biggest problem with an A/B Schedule is that it puts a full day between classes that require repetition to retain information like math or foreign languages. This puts a strain on students to not only do homework assigned but put in extra time to study for classes that wouldn’t normally be required. To a teenager with an already full schedule, this can be extremely stressful. True block scheduling would alleviate extra pressure put onto the students by having fewer classes to worry about at a time. With only four classes a day teachers would be able to go more in depth into concept.
True block schedule would not only make it easier for students and teachers alike during the school day, it would also help after hours. With more time to work in class weekly,teaches don’t have to assign as much homework, thus freeing up time that could spent studying and retaining information taught.
The switch to A/B to implement T3 was somewhat effective but could be majorly improved upon by switching to a true block schedule. If the school is worried about failure rates, it should look more a true block schedule which will benefit more students school-wide.
