Scheduling Controversies

March 3, 2010  
Filed under News

Budget Cuts are popping up everywhere at Ottawa High School. For starters, some teachers are getting removed, the school is thinking about a bigger change that would affect every student.

This change would be switching from an eight class block schedule to a seven class a day schedule. A modified block is also in discussion, which could include seven classes a day Monday through Wednesday and the block schedule on Thursday and Friday.

Many people have different opinions about these ideas. Mr. Deane, science teacher, hopes to have the modified block next year. He says having seven classes a day will make labs difficult to complete.

“With the modified block, you can have the benefits of regular scheduling and block scheduling. We will see the students more often, but still have longer periods for labs,” Deane said.

Maggie Stowell, junior, welcomes the traditional idea of seven classes a day. “I’d like it. The classes would be shorter and we would have more time to practice and learn,” she said.

However, some students are not so eager. Paul Thomas, junior, is not a fan of this change. He explains that students who have already planned their high school career with eight classes will be behind. He also argues that shorter classes would not allow as much time to cover deeper material.

Many people predict OHS will end up with a modified block, which is at least a compromise between the two sides. The decision has already been confirmed for seven class periods, and the administration confessed it will most likely be just seven classes each day without CAT.

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Chelsea Jamison

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