Block scheduling is a good fit for students at Iola High School, board members were told Monday evening.
In block scheduling, students take four subjects one day, and four different the next. The cycle then repeats. In a seven-period schedule, students take seven different subjects each day.
Carol Larson, an IHS guidance counselor, said a committee had researched both options.
The committee was formed at the behest of board members to consider whether a return to traditional scheduling was preferable.
“We all agreed that there is no perfect schedule, but committee members feel there is no overwhelming evidence that we should change to seven periods a day,” Larson said.
Block scheduling is in its 13th year at the high school.
Larson noted that blocks allow students to explore more academic interests than they would be able to with a seven-period schedule.
With blocks, students may complete as many as 32 courses during their high school careers; 28 are required for graduation. With seven periods, only 28 credits can be accumulated in four years.
Absences would also cut more deeply into academic pursuits in a seven-period schedule, Larson said.
IHS faculty members also would face adjustment, Larson said, since most have taught only in block scheduling.
Both Larson and Principal David Grover said the current campus also favors blocks, with students attending classes at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, three blocks away, and the science and agriculture buildings across Cottonwood Street. Students also spend time off campus job-shadowing and tutoring preschool and elementary students.
Blocks also allow for shorter, 44 minute seminar periods one day a week, Larson said. During seminars, students receive extra academic help or attend special assemblies or emergency drills without taking time away from regular instruction.
BOARD members will decide at their Jan. 10 meeting whether to serve as a host agency and employ one or more people 55 or older through the federally funded Senior Community Service Employment Program.
Neuenswander told board members the district would screen and select employees and provide up to 20 hours a week of work in food service or clerical positions. SCSEP would be responsible for wages, paid at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour, as well as wage related costs and workers compensation insurance.
Those hired are required to continue to look for full-time employment.
