News Summary
The San Diego Unified School District plans to vote on implementing a 4×4 block schedule at three high schools, sparking debate among parents and teachers. This change would replace the current six-period day, allowing students to take four classes daily and potentially enhancing course options. Concerns about reduced class time and the impact on student learning have been echoed by parents and educators, while proponents argue longer classes could lead to deeper learning. The district’s decision will be closely monitored by the community.
San Diego – The San Diego Unified School District is set to vote this week on a proposal to implement a 4×4 block schedule at three high schools, a change that has spurred considerable debate among parents and teachers. This scheduling format would replace the current six-period day, allowing students to take four classes per day, potentially improving course management and opportunities for electives.
Mira Mesa High, Madison High, and Canyon Hills High are the schools under consideration for this schedule, which may include yearlong classes for certain courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) subjects. District officials, including Nicole DeWitt, deputy superintendent, have stated that these schools have been actively engaging with staff, students, and families to discuss the 4×4 model and its implementation.
Despite the district’s efforts to communicate the potential benefits of this new scheduling format, many parents have expressed concerns regarding the possibility of reduced overall class time for students. Research on the effectiveness of different class scheduling methods remains limited and inconclusive, leading to further apprehension about the change.
The proposal follows a previous plan that faced delays due to confusion and pushback from school board trustees, administrators, and the community during a recent board meeting. With only three schools now involved in the updated plan, the district aims to provide a clearer framework for the board’s decision on Tuesday.
High school students currently face stringent criteria for graduation, including meeting the A-G requirements necessary for admission to California public universities. The San Diego Unified School District mandates a course in ethnic studies for graduation, with additional requirements for economic literacy scheduled to roll out soon.
Board President Cody Petterson has highlighted concerns raised by parents about the limitations on students’ course selections under the existing six-period schedule, indicating that the proposed changes may address these issues. DeWitt mentioned the challenges presented by the current schedule, particularly for students needing additional support, noting that flexibility has been primarily available only in upper grades.
Research concerning scheduling changes dates back decades, with insights from local researcher Hannah Cooke suggesting that longer class periods can facilitate deeper learning experiences. However, Point Loma High School’s educators and parents have voiced strong opposition to the proposed 4×4 schedule, citing concerns around instructional time reduction. One parent noted the impact this could have on students’ learning experiences.
Supporters of the 4×4 model argue that longer class periods, lasting 90 minutes, can enhance the depth of learning—a view echoed by UC San Diego Professor Sarah Fine. Meanwhile, teacher union leaders have criticized the district’s approach to implementing these schedule changes, asserting a lack of collaborative decision-making with educators.
The district has assured that with any adjustments to the schedule, professional development opportunities for teachers will be provided to ensure effective teaching strategies are maintained. Furthermore, the district plans to survey student outcomes and readiness for college and careers post-implementation.
In broader contexts, the Coronado High School district also intends to switch to a 4×4 schedule, mirroring the mixed reactions seen in San Diego. Poway Unified has already implemented a similar schedule, reporting benefits for student remediation and acceleration. However, concerns persist regarding how shifts in scheduling might affect students transferring into the new system, particularly among military families residing in the Coronado area.
While there are apprehensions regarding the transitional timeline, some in the community believe that addressing scheduling changes now could yield immediate benefits for students who are struggling academically. As the San Diego Unified School District moves closer to finalizing their plans, the outcome of the vote will be closely watched by those both supportive and critical of the change.
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