Teachers union gives high school schedule ‘thumbs down’

MAT-SU — The union representing Valley teachers says its membership isn’t thrilled with the new seven-period high school schedule.

The Mat-Su Education Association says in a press release that in a survey of high school teachers, 77 percent said they think the quality of their courses has gone down since the district switched from six to seven periods.

The district implemented the change at the start of this school year as a way to maximize district resources, a district spokeswoman said.

“We knew we were going to have fewer teachers and we wanted to give the students more choices and the best choices,” said spokeswoman Catherine Esary.

Classes each last about 45 minutes. Students attend all seven of their courses Monday and Friday, with the middle of the week available for longer, more intensive course work.

“A majority of teachers reported that shorter class periods mean less time for instruction, requiring them to cut significant portions of the course curriculum. Teachers expressed concern that the quality and scope of the classes will decline and students’ SAT and ACT scores may be affected,” according to the MSEA press release.

Teachers also worry that they wouldn’t have enough time to give extra help to their students. They also say there are some benefits to the change.

“For example, students can earn more credits in less time. Also, many juniors and seniors can attend school part-time and still earn enough credits to graduate in four years. This benefits students who have after-school jobs,” according to the press release.

Esary said the seven-period day has been the subject of ongoing discussions involving just about everybody in the district — parents, teachers, staff, administration and school board members.

“It has been widely discussed across the district, at every budget meeting, every board meeting,” she said.

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.