Reflecting on the 4x4 Schedule
Ruby Gifford '23 Op-Ed Editor
As Howard High students readjust to the in-person routine, last year’s 4x4 schedule is all but forgotten. The new schedule was wildly different, having students take four classes per semester and resulting in a compact curriculum. Additionally, students were able to pick eight classes for the year, in contrast to the usual seven.
But now, a year later, students have six teachers who they will continue to see for the whole school year. Perhaps the only reminder of 2020’s fleeting block schedule is the flip-flopping fourth period, in which some students still suffer 90 minute classes.
But while many are glad to be rid of the 4x4 schedule, students are also reminded of the flaws of the 6 period schedule. Many of these complaints are familiar, like awkwardly placed lunch shifts and lots of homework. Also, the 4x4 schedule gave students this opportunity to try new electives without much impact on their graduation-required course sequence.
For Howard High junior Olivia Calkins, the 4x4 schedule gave her the chance to take Independent Research, a class where students conduct research on a topic of their choice. “I went into it with an open mind but no clue what it was going to be about but I ended up really, really enjoying it and it got me interested in what I’m pursuing now, which is entomology and bee research,” explains Calkins. “I definitely prefer the current [6 period] schedule. But I do have to give [the 4x4] credit for allowing me to find an interest that I definitely wouldn’t have found otherwise.”
The impact of the eighth class is made even clearer by looking at participation in elective classes. Howard High teacher Mr. Marcantonio approximates half the number of students taking his Astronomy class this year, relative to the enrollment under the 4x4 schedule. Last year, he taught four Astronomy classes; this year, he is only teaching two.
Mr. Marcantonio has also been a student under a block schedule. When he was a high schooler, his school used semester classes that allowed him to take two math classes in one year. However, he doesn’t think the block schedule is beneficial to all students. “I would say it would help the students who are motivated to reach a class that they wouldn’t normally be able to reach. I understand that the block schedule affords things that the [the six periods per day schedule] doesn’t, but I still think the seven is better for kids.”
The drawbacks of the 4x4 schedule are evident, and it is unlikely that the Board of Education or community leaders would support a permanent change. But the 4x4 schedule, and by extension the pandemic, has highlighted the importance of students being able to try new coursework and explore new interests.
But now, a year later, students have six teachers who they will continue to see for the whole school year. Perhaps the only reminder of 2020’s fleeting block schedule is the flip-flopping fourth period, in which some students still suffer 90 minute classes.
But while many are glad to be rid of the 4x4 schedule, students are also reminded of the flaws of the 6 period schedule. Many of these complaints are familiar, like awkwardly placed lunch shifts and lots of homework. Also, the 4x4 schedule gave students this opportunity to try new electives without much impact on their graduation-required course sequence.
For Howard High junior Olivia Calkins, the 4x4 schedule gave her the chance to take Independent Research, a class where students conduct research on a topic of their choice. “I went into it with an open mind but no clue what it was going to be about but I ended up really, really enjoying it and it got me interested in what I’m pursuing now, which is entomology and bee research,” explains Calkins. “I definitely prefer the current [6 period] schedule. But I do have to give [the 4x4] credit for allowing me to find an interest that I definitely wouldn’t have found otherwise.”
The impact of the eighth class is made even clearer by looking at participation in elective classes. Howard High teacher Mr. Marcantonio approximates half the number of students taking his Astronomy class this year, relative to the enrollment under the 4x4 schedule. Last year, he taught four Astronomy classes; this year, he is only teaching two.
Mr. Marcantonio has also been a student under a block schedule. When he was a high schooler, his school used semester classes that allowed him to take two math classes in one year. However, he doesn’t think the block schedule is beneficial to all students. “I would say it would help the students who are motivated to reach a class that they wouldn’t normally be able to reach. I understand that the block schedule affords things that the [the six periods per day schedule] doesn’t, but I still think the seven is better for kids.”
The drawbacks of the 4x4 schedule are evident, and it is unlikely that the Board of Education or community leaders would support a permanent change. But the 4x4 schedule, and by extension the pandemic, has highlighted the importance of students being able to try new coursework and explore new interests.