For some students, finishing a subject in two years instead of four sounds like a dream. Block schedules, which allow students to take a handful of extended classes and finish one year in only one semester, would make that dream a reality.

  “I think it [the block schedule] sounds like a good idea because the course goes by faster, but on the other hand, there is more work done in a shorter amount of time, and if you finish a course first semester but need to retain the information for the next year, you probably won’t remember it,” Emilie Dudgeon, sophomore, said.

  Many students feel that a block schedule would be destructive, like cramming for a test. However, some think that it would help improve learning by easing the workload.

  “I think it [the block schedule] would be a smart idea. You would have less classes to keep up with. Also, you could focus more without so many classes,” Ivy Mckinney, freshman, said.

   The most important part to consider is whether or not the change would be constructive or destructive to the education environment. This varies from student to student.

  “I believe the block schedule allows for students to learn and get through classes quicker, but I don’t believe it is an efficient one because everyone learns at a different pace at different times. The block schedule doesn’t allow that, and if used, could affect the learning process for certain students,” Daniel Efunwa, junior, said.

  Some like the idea of a block schedule because they believe that having fewer classes would make the day go by faster. Others feel having longer classes would make the day drag on.

  “I do not like the idea of block classes. My opinion is strong on 7 class periods because I like the shorter lengths in time,” Rachel Jensen, junior, said.

  Teachers also wonder about the block schedule. Since the block schedule is common, there are many teachers at Etowah who have taught in a block schedule at other schools.

  “I know a lot of teachers fear block schedule, but working at high schools that have a block schedule, I found that both students and teachers learn to appreciate the extended learning time together. Everyone gets to know one another very well, and the sense of community allows students to grow so much as learners within the extended class period,” Marsha Loversky, Advanced Competition teacher, said.

  Many are searching to see if the pros of a block schedule outweigh the cons. Should Etowah continue to use the traditional system or switch to a block schedule?