I read with interest the article on the new schedule for the county high schools. As a former high school math teacher, not in Tennessee, I understand local parent and student concerns.  

My school went on block schedules from an 8-period day. Teachers had to learn to teach differently. They cannot do the old fashion lecture. They need to incorporate learning activities into their style. Teachers that already did activities found the transition easy.  

We required 4 years of English; 2 years of language; 2 years of math; 2 years of science; 3 years of history, which included U.S. government and our state history (after which students had to take and exam which was part of a graduation requirement.)  

There was a requirement for PE, art and music. I can’t remember the number of credits for each. We required a credit for computer literacy which could be taken through the business department or math department. These were the basic requirements.  

If you declared an interest in a science or math you took more science and math courses. If you were in computer, you took more computer classes and math. We offered web design through our business department.  

In our 4 x 4 there were some classes that were only 45 minutes. We evolved to having Friday as the day that clubs, band, chorus and debate club met as some needed more time. There was a time built in the day for clubs but there were some that needed more time. We also had extra help built into the daily schedule so students who were having difficulty in classes could get help or makeup a missed test.  

There was concern raised about special ed students. We had many integrated into our classes. Those that were more learning challenged had their own curriculum and there were breaks throughout the day as the educators know that they learn in short chunks versus long chunks. As I said before, teachers have to learn a different style. I had different styles for different classes.  

AP classes were not affected, in fact, the teachers liked them. As a computer programming educator, I loved block schedulingas did the students. We wereable to cover more languages in a year! Think one yearI did C++ and Pascal.  

Students will need todevelop more self disciplineand hone their focus skills.Put the TV, cell phone andany distraction away fromwhere they are studying. Learn to block out sound. Weknow it’s done with selecthearing! You don’t need toanswer a text, phone call, orIM immediately unless it’san emergency from a parent. Your friends can wait!  

Young people are amazedat the focus the older generations have. We learned thatskill and have kept it. It hasserved us well in businessand life.  

Blocked scheduling will evolve. It’s going to betweaked. By the time the 4 years are done, the blockscheduling in place will notbe what was begun. Therewill be more courses thatwill need to be added.  

Education is ever evolving because the world ischanging rapidly. I recallwhat was covered when Iwent to high school to whatand how I was taught. Asan educator I find it exciting and I’m wondering whatwill come.

Kathie Haber

Bedford County