Nyack HS Looks Again at Block Scheduling

Last year, the Nyack school board granted the high school permission to institute on an experimental basis. The change would have meant less classes each day for longer periods of time.

But then-superintendent Jason Friedman and principal Joe Spero–who spearheaded the initiative—decided to nix the attempt. "I wasn't comfortable with moving forward," Spero said.

Now, school officials are looking to have another go, but with one major difference—block classes would be 55 minutes, not the originally proposed 82 minutes.

"Why would we look to change the schedule?" asked Spero to a room full of parents and administrators at Tuesday evening's school board meeting. "To try and lengthen instructional time any way we can."

Spero noted the current 41 minutes classes do not offer enough time for in-depth critical thinking, and that nine periods each day can overwhelm students—and teachers—with transition.

Other advantages would be strengthened attendance, Spero noted—"if you miss a class [under block scheduling], you're missing more time," he said.

Spero noted he and other staff have carried out extensive research on block scheduling, consulting outside experts and visiting schools that already use the system, like Suffern, Ossining and Sleepy Hollow high schools.

Under the proposed plan—which Spero dubbed an "extended period rotating schedule"—core classes would meet three out of four times on a four-day cycle. On the fifth day, or once-a-week, classes would return to the current nine period, 41 minute schedule.

In the end, students would attend six out of their eight classes each day.

Coupled with the extended periods would be a block lunch, in which all students, grades nine through 12, eat at the same time.

"You allow for students to eat at different areas in the building," Spero said, noting the cafeteria would not be over-crowded.

Spero said clubs could also meet during this time, teachers could dole out extra help or students could take an elective.

Joe Fusaro, the school's art department chair, said the change would help combat the fatigue and attention deficit that can plague students during first and ninth period courses.

Still, not all faculty is on board; "we have people who are very nervous about change," Spero said.

The next step in the process is community involvement—school board officials will set up sessions for parents and students to discuss the tentative plan.

In order for the change to be instituted for the 2013-14 school year, the high school would need a go-ahead from the school board by early- or mid-March, when the master schedules are created.