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Mesquite ISD to shift middle schools to a seven-period day and single-block core courses
Summary
District leaders proposed and trustees approved a schedule change that moves 6th and 7th graders away from double-blocking RLA and math to single blocks within a seven-period day to expand access to CTE and electives; the change is slated to start next school year.
Mesquite ISD presented a planned revision to middle school schedules that removes double-blocked reading/language arts and math for many students and shifts to a seven-period day.
Morris, who led the presentation, said the district found hour-and-a-half blocks were too long and 46 minutes too short. To provide a "Goldilocks" fit, the district proposed single-blocking RLA and math for 6th and 7th grades and moving to a seven-period day so periods could be lengthened without extending the school day. Morris said the change also creates room for career and technical education (CTE) exposure earlier: "We're wanting to introduce a more focused approach for showing those opportunities to our students earlier," he said.
The board was told the plan preserves start and end times, requires curriculum adjustments (RLA revisions to fit the new schedule) and will begin next school year. Trustees indicated support and thanked staff for planning; next steps include finalizing bell schedules and classroom staffingwork with principals.
