EKHS Schedule Consideration

Schedule History
For the past seven years EKHS has been on a trimester schedule
5

periods a day/3 trimesters a year

The decision to move to trimesters was made in order to accommodate a variety of factors including:

Meeting the new graduation requirements from the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) Offering rich elective options Providing opportunities to reschedule repeat courses if needed

What we know

The states accountability measures for schools have changed

There is a need to focus on college and career readiness by teaching 21st century skills (I.e. Critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, communication and decision making) Districts need to continue to show student growth in all core academic areas

Data

Over the past 4 years there has been a decline in state test scores:
Reading -7% Writing -13% Math -3% Science -6% Social Studies 8%

Breakdown of the current Trimester schedule

5 Period Trimester
5 class period day/120 days x 72 minutes per course = 8640 minutes per year in each core course. Core = 50% Electives = 50%

What is next

We considered multiple options that would provide increased time in core content areas

Break down of the Semester/Quarter Schedule

Semester/Quarter Schedule 6 Periods 6 class period day/180 days x 61 minutes per course = 10,980 minutes per year in each course (increases instructional time by 2,220 minutes per year in all core classes) Core = 60% Electives = 40%

Comparison
Semester/Quarter Schedule - 6 Periods 5 class period day/120 6 class period day/180 days x 72 minutes per days x 61 minutes per course course = 8640 minutes per year in = 10,980 minutes per year each core course in each core course (increase of 2,220 minutes) Core = 50% Core = 60% Electives = 50% Electives = 40%
Current Trimester Schedule - 5 Periods

Priorities in considering a new schedule

Increase academic achievement for ALL students while preparing them with 21st Century skills (critical thinking, problem solving, communication and decision making) Increase instructional time in core subject areas Maintain rich elective options Establish, develop and maintain teacher/student relationships

Benefits of Semesters (with Quarters)

Provides quality instruction that focuses on depth of knowledge, inquiry, rigor and critical thinking skills (21st century skills) Increases time in core classes by 2,200 minutes Maintains the integrity of Elective/Fine Arts/Advanced Placement (AP) programs Supports efforts to build and maintain relationships with staff and students Focuses and aligns curriculum with increased demands of the Michigan Merit Curriculum and 21st Century Skills Decreases gaps in instruction Core classes would be year long vs. possibility of 1st and 3rd trimester (- 2nd trimester)

FAQs
How does this schedule affect the Fine Arts programs and elective courses offered at EKHS? We will maintain the integrity of rich elective opportunities including Art, Band, Choir and Orchestra courses How does this affect AP classes? We will still offer the same number of AP courses. This schedule may provide additional AP opportunities for students What happens to graduation credits/requirements? Graduation requirements and credit fulfillment will be adjusted to the number of courses available. Graduation eligibility will not be affected. The MMC courses will not change as those are determined by the state. The only change would be to the number of electives required for graduation

We Are EK!