Bernie school

[Bernie parent]

Is Bernie going back to a 7 class day? Why are they even considering this?

[abc]

go to the board meeting monday night and vote against it

[mad mom]

i have never had any trouble before this year, know it is always something. i am sick of the school. if things dont change i know alot of parents that are thinking of moving their kids to another school or homeschool them. i dont want to do this but if things dont change i will do this also. has others been haveing the same problem?

[what]

What problems exactly are you having?

[mom]

What problems are you guys talking about? I had a problem. I went to the school and talked face to face and the problem is solved. It was that simple.

[XXX]

I agree with the old saying "If it isn't broke don't fix it". Why change it? It has worked for years this way! How would this affect the number of credits? If it takes 28 hours to graduate with the block system and they change to 7 subjects per day vs 4 subjects per day, would the number of credit hours to graduate change too? Who is this going to benefit, students or teachers, by switching?

[The Wiseman]

I have read research on this subject. Research indicates there are multiple disadvantages to block scheduling. Teachers like it because they have a longer prep period. Students like it because it gives them more time to complete their homework. But the research suggests it is not good. I believe Mercer was also against block scheduling. However, he recognized changing it would be a very unpopular decision. The new school administrators likely recognize the disadvantages and want to take steps to improve the quality of education Bernie offers. One area that suffers greatly from block scheduling is ACT scores. Students reading abilities also suffer slightly from block scheduling.

[Blockheads]

If you do the math and compare the block system versus the regular 7 class school day, the students are missing 50 minutes of instruction in each class every two weeks with the block system. In the 7 class per day system the students are in class 500 minutes in a two week period. With the block system the students are in each class 450 minutes in a two week period. Don't you find it funny that Bernie is the ONLY school system that has hung on this long to the block scheduling system? Most other schools have tried it but gone back to the regular 7 period day. The block system makes it difficult for Bernie to utilize ITV college courses for the Juniors and the Seniors. Besides that, 8 classes is entirely too many classes for a student to take!

[parent]

Wiseman and Blockhead are exactly right. With an 1 1/2 hour prep period everyday, teachers are only teaching 4 days a week. You watch, they will fight this tooth and nail.

[Parent]

parent wrote:

Wiseman and Blockhead are exactly right. With an 1 1/2 hour prep period everyday, teachers are only teaching 4 days a week. You watch, they will fight this tooth and nail.

Better watch it...you're stepping on your buddies toes. They'll be coming after you next.

[Shellie Ranberger]

When I first heard about block scheduling I thought it was crazy, but I have since personally seen the benefits of it for my children. My question is if they decide to change the scheduling back to 7 hour days next year, how is going to affect those students that are sophomores and juniors this year? That really worries me. I've heard my son and some of his friends complaining that they don't want it changed. They like having blue and white days, their homework is not as demanding (which is a big benefit for those students who actually have to work), and college bound students can acquire more credits. To reference some of the before mentioned comments, I believe they would have to change their graduation requirements otherwise if a student failed one subject in their 4 years in high school they would not graduate with their class. As far as going to the school board meeting, my son has asked me to attend but we as parents will not get a vote on this, nor will our children. Although I have not read the "research" on block scheduling I don't possibly see how it would hinder ACT scores, if the students take more classes, they have learned more subjects which in my opinion should benefit their scores. But as for their reading abilities suffering because of it, that should have been addressed in elementary, they don't start block scheduling until junior high and should be avid readers by then if the elementary reading program is successful.

[class of 1997]

I went 2 yrs of 7 hr days and 2yrs of block scheduling and can account that block scheduling is a JOKE!!!! In those two years I wasted so much time!! 50 minutes of lecture then time to chat pretty much was what classtime consisted of. Block scheduling needs to GO!!

[parent]

parent wrote:

Wiseman and Blockhead are exactly right. With an 1 1/2 hour prep period everyday, teachers are only teaching 4 days a week. You watch, they will fight this tooth and nail.

I am sure they will, BUT if the teacher is truly into their job for the KIDS they won't mind. But yes there are some really lazy teachers who will bitch and there are teachers who do nothing but draw a paycheck and one of those Jason Long. He has entirely too much time on his hands.

[parent]

This is a good way to WEED out the teachers who are NOT into it for the KIDS!!!!!

[barbie223]

If the teachers know how to teach in a block then it is actually better. There are some subjects it is not conducive in such as band because they need to have that instrument in their hands everyday. English teachers love it because they have time to read a short story, discuss it, assign questions, and even do a project about the story without being interrupted. On the seven period day students take 28 classes in their high school career. On block scheduling, that number increases to 32. If you knew everything the teachers had to do in their prep time, you wouldn't complain about it. lesson planning, grading, entering grades, calling parents, researching units, meetings, etc...

[parent]

barbie223 wrote:

If the teachers know how to teach in a block then it is actually better. There are some subjects it is not conducive in such as band because they need to have that instrument in their hands everyday. English teachers love it because they have time to read a short story, discuss it, assign questions, and even do a project about the story without being interrupted. On the seven period day students take 28 classes in their high school career. On block scheduling, that number increases to 32. If you knew everything the teachers had to do in their prep time, you wouldn't complain about it. lesson planning, grading, entering grades, calling parents, researching units, meetings, etc...

You sound like a teacher. You know as well as I do that the Majority of the teachers DO NOT do all of that on their prep time.

[barbie223]

You're right. What they don't get finished on their plan time they must take home to finish at night.

[Had It]

barbie223 wrote:

If the teachers know how to teach in a block then it is actually better. There are some subjects it is not conducive in such as band because they need to have that instrument in their hands everyday. English teachers love it because they have time to read a short story, discuss it, assign questions, and even do a project about the story without being interrupted. On the seven period day students take 28 classes in their high school career. On block scheduling, that number increases to 32. If you knew everything the teachers had to do in their prep time, you wouldn't complain about it. lesson planning, grading, entering grades, calling parents, researching units, meetings, etc...

Boo Hoo Hoo. Tough to work Monday thru Friday, 9 months out of the year isn't it! Without being interrupted? Seriously? That luxury doesn't exist in any career. Crybabies

[barbie223]

I love what I do for a career and wouldn't change it for anything. People look at the three month off and then assume because of that teaching is easy. It is a tough job. It is hard to listen to people criticize a group of teachers I know and care about. I wish my job was 7:45-3:15 and that is it, but that is not possible. Try walking in another's shoes before you criticize and assume.

[parent]

barbie223 wrote:

You're right. What they don't get finished on their plan time they must take home to finish at night.

oH BOO HOO the majority of the teachers I have seen and had experience with are worse than kids about gossiping, treating people with disrespect and act absolutely unprofessional. How are we suppose to expect better of our kids if their teachers act that way. Fact is stop acting as if you know more than the rest of the world because you have a teaching degree and have respect for the people you work for. The tax payers. You wouldn't have a job if we didn't pay our taxes and the state of Missouri didn't give you funds. So mind your bosses, humble yourselves and sbe glad you have a job these day and quit your bitchen. If you don't have a passion for what your doing and want the best for the students then get out!