A request from a teacher

[Anonymous]

I can’t start a petition because I fear retaliation. Can someone please create one demanding that MCPS drop the 4 classes a day schedule for all secondary schools in favor of a seven day schedule unless the school normally follows block?

I am one of several teachers writing to the Board and Supe, but we won’t get far without the support of parents and students. I think we could get more teachers on board if they thought students were willing to have class every day.

[Anonymous]

Why does it matter to you? What is so hard about teaching block? Why does there have to be a seven period schedule?

[Anonymous]

Why? Block scheduling is so much better for students. When students have the same subject every day, teachers tend to give homework for the very next day, which is stressful. Block scheduling allows for more in-depth analysis during the class and students can manage their work with a little freedom, which my teen with ADHD appreciates a lot!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t start a petition because I fear retaliation. Can someone please create one demanding that MCPS drop the 4 classes a day schedule for all secondary schools in favor of a seven day schedule unless the school normally follows block?

I am one of several teachers writing to the Board and Supe, but we won’t get far without the support of parents and students. I think we could get more teachers on board if they thought students were willing to have class every day.

What is the advantage of a 7-day schedule? The best way to get parents on board is to clearly lay out the benefits. Information is power.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does it matter to you? What is so hard about teaching block? Why does there have to be a seven period schedule?

It’s not “so hard”. It’s just not what is best for students. Block means only two instructional opportunities a week. Seven periods a day means 5 instructional opportunities. It is just better for students to have more chances to engage with their teachers.

[Anonymous]

I have an ADHD HS student, and I am worried about the long DL classes as well. Cannot start a petition because of my position either

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does it matter to you? What is so hard about teaching block? Why does there have to be a seven period schedule?

It’s not “so hard”. It’s just not what is best for students. Block means only two instructional opportunities a week. Seven periods a day means 5 instructional opportunities. It is just better for students to have more chances to engage with their teachers.

Actually more periods every day are distracting and students are continually transitioning between classes and subjects, which makes them lose a lot of focus time on their work. Each period is shorter, and again, there is no time for deeper reflection.

[Anonymous]

When it takes a decent chunk of class time just to work out tech issues / screen freezing / etc, I strongly prefer block scheduling. (Even in in-person, I would support it.)

[Anonymous]

Here’s an article that lays out the pros and cons of both block and traditional schedules. https://education.seattlepi.com/block-vs-traditional-scheduling-student-perspective-1577.html

I’ve taught both schedules for a number of years in MCPS. I find that a 90 min block lends itself to quite a bit of wasted time. Students need both brain breaks and the ability to move their bodies. I find block preferable only when there is a special need such as working on a project, having a guest speaker, or taking an extended assessment.

[Anonymous]

Other countries have block scheduling and better test scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When it takes a decent chunk of class time just to work out tech issues / screen freezing / etc, I strongly prefer block scheduling. (Even in in-person, I would support it.)

Except the class isn’t going to pause just because you son’s screen froze. Everyone else is moving on anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does it matter to you? What is so hard about teaching block? Why does there have to be a seven period schedule?

It’s not “so hard”. It’s just not what is best for students. Block means only two instructional opportunities a week. Seven periods a day means 5 instructional opportunities. It is just better for students to have more chances to engage with their teachers.

Actually more periods every day are distracting and students are continually transitioning between classes and subjects, which makes them lose a lot of focus time on their work. Each period is shorter, and again, there is no time for deeper reflection.

Zoom is not, in my experience, a medium conducive to deeper reflection.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Other countries have block scheduling and better test scores.

That’s not causation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have an ADHD HS student, and I am worried about the long DL classes as well. Cannot start a petition because of my position either

Do you have a relative or friend who could start one?

[Anonymous]

Is this for middle and high school? Is this only for DL? I think we need more info OP.
A thousand years ago, I had 7 blocks in middle school and 4 in high school. The 4 block was much easier to manage and seemed like a better system from my student perspective.