17 years ago Galesburg High School started what’s known as the block system to schedule classes.The block system is where students go to four classes in a day for approximately 90 minutes, instead of 7 classes for approximately 50 minutes.
District 205 is taking a second look at the system now.
The board approved hiring a consultant last night to examine the block schedule with the input of a seven-member committee.
Made up of a mix of teachers, parents and high school administrators the committee are expected to give Superintendent Ralph Grimm a preliminary report on their findings in April.
This study is coming at a time when board members and administrators are furiously looking for ways to cut unnecessary spending and reduce inefficiencies.
Grimm tells WGIL cost saving is a part of it, but also they’re looking to see if the schedule is best for students.
“What we asked them to really look at is is the block schedule meeting what it was really originally intended to do?,” Grimm says. “We have copies of the 1999 study and the recommendations that were made in 1999, so we’ve asked the committee to go back and take a look at, has it done what it said it would?”
The block system is touted for giving increased instruction time for a particular class as well as how it allows students to focus on only a few classes at a time.
Detractors list grievances like students inability to focus for 90 minutes and logistical complications when taking taking advanced placement classes.
Some also call into question if the block system really does provide more instruction time.
