WJ’s current class system of seven periods a day with 45 minutes per class fails to establish an environment that fosters student mental health and academic success. To ensure these things, the system needs to be changed.
Seven classes a day is too many for students to focus on. Even easy classes can require a lot of work, so when they’re added to the more difficult courses, students can be overloaded with work and not have the desired rest time. Suppose the school schedule was changed to have block scheduling with four periods, with an extra period that students use for themselves (to do work or take a break). Classes would then be interchanged throughout the week with Wednesday being a day off. That system would allow students to have four periods on Mondays and Thursdays while having the other four on Tuesdays and Fridays. There would be fewer classes to focus on every day and students could spread out the assignments through the school week.
Additionally, longer and split-up classes allow teachers to create higher-quality lessons so that every student understands the material. Students might not have enough time to ask questions and for the teacher to go in-depth on complicated topics. Lessons take up most of the class as it is, so not much time is left for questions or work time. Especially in rigorous AP and honors courses, students need time to clarify things with their teachers about grades, assignments and upcoming tests.
Another benefit of the block schedule is that there would be more time to take tests and quizzes. Students who have extended time, for example, could finish tests in class and would not have to come in at lunch. It can be hard for students to focus during lunch and miss time they could be spending having fun with friends. If class lengths were extended, even students who do not have extra time could make up big tests or assignments and do retakes in class instead of during lunch. Tests would be less stressful and students could use their lunch to relax and unwind.
Of course, some say that longer classes would not be healthy for students and that it would cause boredom and fatigue. Yes, some aspects make it seem that way, but there could be more breaks within classes to prevent students from sitting in place for a long time. Students would also have a day off, which they can use to focus directly on each subject and dedicate as much time as needed while enjoying life outside of school. In summary, MCPS officials should consider the idea. If there is enough support for the change, students could see growth in their academics while also feeling better equipped to maintain a healthy mindset.
