Encouraged by progress on a block scheduling proposal for Hoffman Estates High School, District 211’s superintendent has told school officials to prepare a formal presentation for the board of education.
“He is satisfied we are living within the parameters he set,” said school principal Dennis Garber, who spoke with Supt. Gerald Chapman on Wednesday. “But we still are wrestling with some issues.”
The current plan calls for four, 90-minute blocks per day with a 40-minute lunch period tacked onto the third block. Garber and assistants will bring their plan to the board for consideration in early fall, with hopes of switching to the format in fall 1999.
Garber learned about the concept several years ago at an education conference and felt his school might benefit. Advantages include fewer interruptions in the student’s school day–currently eight, 50-minute periods–and the ability to complete a two-semester course in one semester.
After conducting a preliminary study, Garber and assistants were encouraged. Last fall, they brought the idea to the school board.
“They offered a pretty enthusiastic endorsement to study block scheduling,” Garber said.
Since then, the committee has been researching block scheduling and holding public meetings on the subject. In the midst of that activity, teachers voted in favor of the change.
Chapman has insisted that the new format should not alter the school day or cost any more money, Garber said.
Under the proposal, however, the hours would remain 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and no additional teachers or staff would be needed.
Garber said one meeting is scheduled next week with students to gather input and answer questions, and another will be held next fall for parents.
