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District proposes daily 43-minute math and English blocks at South Campus; plan narrowed to freshmen-only at South Campus
Summary
District staff outlined a plan to move from 90-minute alternate-day blocks to daily 43-minute math and English periods as an early intervention for underperforming students; presenters initially targeted ninth- and tenth-graders but later clarified the pilot would be implemented only for freshmen at South Campus.
District administrators presented a proposal to change the South Campus schedule so that students would have math and English every day in two 43-minute segments rather than one 90-minute class on alternating A/B days. The stated goals were to increase daily practice, provide more frequent teacher feedback and address rising counts of D's and F's in math and English.
Staff said the initial proposal targeted ninth- and tenth-graders as an early intervention but later confirmed the implementation discussed during the meeting would be limited to freshmen at South Campus and would apply only to core math and English classes. The proposal would keep the district's four-block day structure but split a block into two shorter classes to achieve daily contact in math and English.
Administrators said the change is intended to improve retention and allow quicker remediation; they cited standardized-test growth data showing students make gains but not at the rate desired. The presentation included sample schedules and a master-schedule review: staff reported they had worked with department chairs and PowerSchool representatives and believe students can be scheduled into needed courses under the proposed configuration. Anticipated logistical issues include impacts on traveling teachers, bell schedules and lunch logistics; staff said they will work with the MEA and give teachers time this school year to adapt instructional plans for 43-minute periods.
To offset removing some math-resource periods, staff proposed increasing math labs and using two math interventionists for students who continue to struggle. The board did not vote on the schedule change at the meeting; it remained a discussion item for further planning and bargaining as required by the MOU with the MEA.
Speakers included Dr. Bukowski (administrator) who outlined the plan and answered questions, and board members who asked about scope and logistics.
