Schlepphorst's+answers+Q1

As we look at possible schedule options for next year, we need your feedback: Indicate: 1. The positives of changing to a 50 minute class period schedule. • seeing our students every day • having the same amount of time each week with all of our classes/students • teachers who don't use the 90 minutes we have now efficiently will have to step it up and do a better job budgeting time and planning for classes

2. The challenges of changing to a 50 minute class period schedule. • speaking for my classes, photojournalism and yearbook, I will need to completely 100% overhaul my curriculum: • using film in photojournalism will probably not be feasible any more, but I don't have the correct equipment to teach photo 100% digitally • it will take students time to get used to the new format; I think they are more nervous of change than the teachers! • honestly, it takes me almost 1/2 of my 90 minute conference period to just get through my emails and respond to them; I have no idea how a 50 minute conference will allow teachers (used to having 90 mins) to get through all the paperwork required of our jobs, grade anything at school; I see a lot more "homework" for teachers because the demands of our jobs won't change, we'll just have less time to do them all

3. What works on this type of schedule. • like I said before, seeing students daily is a plus • also said before, it should make teachers better time managers and plan more efficient classes
 * Students will have the opportunity to reflect on their learning for a particular subject on a daily basis.
 * Students will need to better budget their time as well both in and out of class.

4. What questions do you have? • when will we know FOR SURE that the schedule is changing or what the schedule will be for next year? (so that I can start the re-design of my curriculum before summer) • when will we know if we are even teaching/keeping the same courses we have now? (I assume that some will potentially be dissolved if they can't be taught in 50 mins) • when will we know if we are going to lose our jobs to save money? • how do you structure 4 lunches in 50 minutes?
 * Will the schedule allow for a mandatory tutorial period for failing students like the one presented by DuFour?