by Amanda Hadley, staff writer
Fountain Valley High School currently has what is known as a traditional bell schedule;
however, other schools in the Huntington Beach Union High School District have another type of bell schedule known as block scheduling.
Block scheduling usually consists of “odd” and “even” days. During odd days, students would attend their first, third, fifth, and depending on the student, seventh period classes. On an even day, students would attend their zero, second, fourth, and sixth period classes. During these days, there is typically a tutorial period designated for students to complete assignments or visit teachers classrooms for help. Block schedules typically follow a weekly pattern such as “odd, even, odd, even, odd” or vice versa.
FVHS has what is recognized as a traditional bell schedule. This schedule, which all students are familiar with, consists of periods zero to seven in 55 minute intervals each day with a 30 minute lunch break in between periods four and five.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to having each type of schedule. For instance, by only attending, classes every other day, students would have an extra day to complete assignments; an advantage that could make school less stressful. Also, by only attending three, two hour periods, students have more time to better understand the material they are being taught.
In contrast, while the two hour periods of block scheduling may be helpful to some students, other feel that it would be detrimental to their learning.
“I wouldn’t like block scheduling because I would not be able to focus as much and reach my full capabilities. With our current schedule, we learn time management from balancing four or five assignments. Not to mention, being in subjects for two hours would make it very hard for me to focus.” Meena Momand (‘18) said.
Furthermore, because of the odd and even school days, sixth period sports programs would not be able to practice as frequently.
“Having that extra day between classes would cause students to forget the information they learned in classes the previous day.” Khue Tran (‘18) said.
But due to the school’s traditional bell schedule, students have the opportunity to attend each class and participate in after school sports activities. The 55 minute classes help students stay focused.
Studies and further insight will continue to compare the two different schedules and which one may be the “best” for students. But as it stands, there are both pros and cons to a block schedule and a traditional bell schedule.
