Cedar Ridge and Hernandez Middle Schools adopt successful 8 period day scheduling

Middle school scheduling took a transformative turn at the Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) as leaders discussed the implementation of an innovative 8-period day during the March 27, 2025, board meeting. This new schedule aims to enhance student academic experiences by providing greater access to interventions and electives, addressing the diverse needs of students.

Area superintendents and principals from Hernandez and CD Fulkes Middle Schools presented their insights on the 8-period day, which was designed to accommodate students requiring accelerated instruction and those needing dyslexia support. The shift from a traditional 7-period day allows for additional class time, ensuring that students can engage in core subjects while also accessing necessary interventions and preferred electives.

Patricia Eflin, area superintendent, emphasized the importance of this schedule in meeting the requirements of House Bill 14 16, which mandates additional instructional hours for students who did not meet state standards on the STAAR assessments. The new structure not only supports academic needs but also prioritizes student choice in electives, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.

Ebony Parks, principal at Hernandez, highlighted the positive feedback from staff regarding increased student engagement and manageable class sizes, which now range between 18 to 24 students. This change allows teachers to provide more personalized support, particularly in intervention classes for math and reading.

The board also discussed the criteria for other campuses considering the 8-period day, noting that schools with less than 30% of students requiring accelerated instruction may continue with the traditional schedule. This data-driven approach ensures that each campus can tailor its schedule to best meet the needs of its students.

As RRISD moves forward with this scheduling model, the focus remains on enhancing educational outcomes and providing a well-rounded experience for all middle school students. The anticipated benefits of the 8-period day could set a precedent for future scheduling decisions across the district.