The “block schedule” OHS Kowboys have come to love has changed to a seven period schedule for 2014 and years to come.
Osceola High School has been known for its block schedule which consisted of four periods a day. Students would have these four classes for the first semester, be tested, and then move on to a different set of classes for the second semester. Many of our past students have been shocked to suddenly find themselves in the seven-class schedule this year. Many questions have been asked such as: Why did it change? How long will it last? Do we still have EOCs? Why didn’t we know?
According to Principal Edward Jones, the reason for the schedule change to take place is because of EOC results. The EOC, also known as End of Course exam, results have shown that the majority of our students have failed these exams. Studies made by the county have found that the short amount of time? to study for these exams, learn all the material, and disconnect with teachers between exam times, has resulted in these poor outcomes. To fix this problem the superintendent, Melba Luciano, and her peers have made the seven-class change.
Each class is 50 minutes long, 41 minutes on Wednesday. Although classes are shorter in time students have all year with these classes, and at the end of the year they’ll be tested in the EOY, End of Year Exam.
This change did happen suddenly, but Jones insists it has been made for the good of our school. On June 26 a district call came in to Jones, calling for a meeting to change our schedule, effective immediately. Students weren’t notified sooner because Principal Jones didn’t know himself.
“I dislike the short notice for the change,” Jones stated in a press conference when asked his opinion on the quick transformation.
Students find themselves packed and rushed in a million directions and wonder how long this will last. The seven-period day schedule is here to stay. It has been set to help students with their grades and test scores, and although it may seem difficult at first it’s the “Best way to go, and I believe we will see that in the long run.” Jones encourages.
