A Concerned Parent
I received an email from a parent yesterday that voiced concerns over the District deciding to move from a 7 period day to an 8 period day at Whitesboro High School. As I read the concerns and comments, I realized that there is some confusion regarding certain aspects of an 8 period day.
The parent’s 1st concern: By moving to an 8 period day, students will lose educational opportunities, like A.P. Classes and Dual Credit Classes…
To assume this would be a mistake. Actually an 8 period day provides more educational opportunities for students. Currently, in a 7 period schedule, a student can receive 28 credits while they are in High School (7 Credits a Year x 4 Years = 28 credits). Under the proposed 8 period schedule, a student will be able to obtain 32 credits while they are in high school (8 Credits a Year x 4 Years = 32 credits). By moving to an 8 period day, students will be able to take 4 additional year-long classes or 8 additional semester long classes while they are in high school.
An 8 period day will provide more educational opportunities for both our college bound, and career bound students. Our college bound students will be able to take more A.P., Dual Credit, and Advanced classes. And, our career bound students will be able to take more CTE and job prep type classes.
The parents 2nd concern: If there is a financial reason to move to an 8 period day, why isn’t everyone else moving to an 8 period day?
I believe the parent made a good point… So, I checked around to find out what some of the neighboring districts are doing.
The following high schools are already on an 8 period schedule: Denison, Bells, Gunter, Whitewright, Pottsboro, S and S, Tom Bean, Van Alstyne, Collinsville, Callisburg, Pilot Point, Aubrey, Celina, Prosper, and Gainesville. And, Sanger will be moving to an 8 period day next year.
One might ask why these neighboring high schools have already moved to an 8 period day. The answers are simple: It provides more educational opportunities for students. And, it increases the district’s WADA, which ultimately increases the District’s revenue.
I can only assume that these other districts believed that moving to an 8 period day was a “Win-Win” for their students, and their district.
