News Summary
The San Diego Unified School Board has approved a new 4×4 block schedule for Madison, Canyon Hills, and Mira Mesa high schools, set to begin in the upcoming school year. This structure will allow students to take four classes each semester, freeing up opportunities for elective courses and college-level classes. Educators anticipate improvements in student attendance and focus, while concerns regarding the change include the need for thorough research on its impacts.
San Diego — The San Diego Unified School Board has voted to implement a new 4×4 block schedule at three high schools—Madison, Canyon Hills, and Mira Mesa—beginning in the 2026-27 school year. This significant change in how classes are structured will allow students to take four classes each semester, amounting to eight classes throughout the school year, instead of the traditional approach of six classes over the full academic year.
This new scheduling format is designed to provide students with greater opportunities. Under the 4×4 block schedule, students will have more access to elective courses and college-level classes, and they will be better positioned to retake or make up courses, aiding their path to graduation. Educators anticipate that this format may reduce student stress as learners concentrate on fewer courses at a time, highlighting a potential for improved attendance and focus attributable to a less cluttered daily schedule.
Superintendent Fabiola Bagula emphasized the benefits that the new schedule may bring. One of the key advantages is that students could graduate not only with a high school diploma but also with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. Each class will have extended lab time ranging from 90 to 110 minutes, compared to the current time frame of 50 to 60 minutes, potentially enriching the learning experience.
The enthusiasm for the new schedule has been evident among students. Tenth-grader Leilani Hernandez expressed excitement about the chance to enroll in more classes every semester, which may enhance her educational experience. The proposed shift aims to encourage diverse course offerings while ensuring students meet A-G requirements for college readiness.
Community Response and Concerns
Nicole DeWitt, the Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, proposed the 4×4 schedule to align more closely with college structures, where classes are typically taken in a two-quarter semester format, suggesting that this methodology could set students up for greater success in higher education.
Potential Advantages and Challenges
The 4×4 block schedule has shown promising results in other districts that have adopted similar changes, with data indicating that students did not experience a decline in grades or pass rates on Advanced Placement exams. However, some critics are still cautious, worried that students in certain courses may encounter a reduction in overall instructional time.
The three high schools selected for the pilot program were chosen based on their previous community engagement and readiness for such a transition. There may also be a hybrid model considered, wherein some courses, especially Advanced Placement classes, might continue to be offered throughout the year rather than adopting the block schedule.
The Road Ahead
The San Diego Unified School District is committed to assessing the impact of this new schedule through systematic data collection on student outcomes and readiness indicators. By the 2028-29 school year, other high schools in the district will evaluate whether the 4×4 model aligns with their specific needs.
As this change approaches, the San Diego Unified School District continues its broader goal of providing diverse learning opportunities that cater to the varied educational pathways of its students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Schools Consider New 4×4 Block Schedule
Additional Resources
- CBS 8 News
- Wikipedia: Block Schedule
- NBC San Diego
- Google Search: San Diego Unified School District high school schedule
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- 10 News
- Google News: San Diego high school changes
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