By Leah Yanuszeski, Review Intern
Ready or not, Lake Orion High School is officially headed down the path of modified block scheduling.
This concept, brought up several years ago, is now set in stone as the high school’s new plan for classes. The new modified block entails both block and ‘skinny? classes, 90 minutes and 45 minutes in length, respectively.
Both teachers and students are feeling the changes.
Nicole Gaberdiel, a counselor at the high school, said nothing much will change for students. Everyone will still be able to complete prerequisites for Advanced Placement and honors classes, as well as receiving eight credits per year.
‘The teacher’s prep time is cut in half, to 45 minutes, that’s where you see the difference,? said Gaberdiel.
Don McLaughlin, a teacher at the high school, acknowledges the issue, as well.
‘With half the prep time and an extra class, the implications are fairly obvious,? he said. ‘Teachers will be more busy, however they will step up.?
The heavier workload outside the school day for teachers may impact after school activities, such as GAP programs, which teachers heavily contribute to.
This change, brought on by budget constraints, has sparked controversy among students, as well. Andre Bonneville, a ninth grader at LOHS, comments on his first, and only year, of block scheduling. ‘I like that I have more time in class to get work done and I get to know the teacher,? he said.
Students are currently entering their selected classes on-line to the school’s database, and many still had questions over the new modified block.
‘I don’t think they told us enough about it. They just presented it to us. It will be a big adjustment because of the new system,? said Camille Clark, an eleventh grader. Brandon Shefcyk (9th grade) echoed Clark’s concern as well.
Both Gaberdiel and McLaughlin stated with confidence that students will adapt to the change. ‘Not much will change for students. We won’t know how the students will react until we see them in class,? said Gaberdiel.
The new modified block will save the district money through the cutting of teachers, anywhere from 12 to 16.
A buy-out option will be offered to veteran teachers, an attempt to save newly tenured teachers? positions.
Which teachers teach what classes, and whether those classes are taught as ‘skinnies? will depend on the number of students who request each class.
‘The challenges are yet to come,? said Gaberdiel. ‘Trying to fit schedules in and decide which classes go where is the hard part.?
Amid the controversy, the new modified block will save the high school $165 per student.
‘Everybody is making compromises.? said McLaughlin, ‘People like to make this out to be a battle. Reality is people want what is best for the kids.?