Bartholomew schools nearing decision on high school schedule changes

Bartholomew Consolidated School officials are continuing their consideration of block scheduling high school classes, a change which would reduce the number of classes each day but make each class almost twice as long.

Under the proposal, instead of the current daily schedule, where students have 45 minute class periods with the same classes each day, the switch would be to 85 minute long classes, but each subject would only have class every other day.

Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts explains that the proposal could come up for a vote as early as two weeks.

Roberts explains that the main benefit would be teachers getting to know their students better.

However, there would also be possible side benefits, Roberts explains.

Although Roberts said he is not pushing the plan, he does have experience in moving to such a schedule when he was superintendent in Batesville. Other committee members that are looking into the proposal, also have experience with block scheduling, he said.

School board members questions at their meeting Monday night centered around how the change would complicate the schedules, and how students could be expected to pay attention for an entire 85 minute long class session. One audience member who spoke against the proposal, said she was especially concerned about the effect on students with special needs.

Roberts said that there has been little public feedback on the proposal, at least to his office.

The proposal could come up for a vote at the school board meeting in two weeks on April 22nd.