TJ’s 2008-2009 block schedule brings a new opportunity for students.
by Rhea Boyd
photo by Manny Perez
Thomas Jefferson’s new scheduled EXCEL Learning period provides students and teachers more opportunities than previous years have offered.
During the spring semester of 2008, a committee of teachers and administrators at TJ created a new block schedule for the benefits of the students and staff. The schedule adds two days of 90-minute blocked classes; three on Wednesday and four on Thursday. This schedule enables students to get out an hour and 35 minutes earlier than usual on Wednesdays. To use the extra time constructively, the administration created EXCEL Learning time.
In previous years students, parents and teachers have all complained that students did not have an appropriate time to meet with their teachers for help during the school day. Lunch, sports, appointments, and other distractions have always interfered with the outside-class tutoring time. The advisers hope the EXCEL time will now help resolve any issues.
“The EXCEL time’s primary responsibility is to help students with academics,” Assistant Principal Scott Lessard said, “We hope that students will have access to teachers during this time and teachers will make an effort to help them.”
Students and teachers alike can appreciate the time. Students will no longer be required to skip lunch or miss out on a ride home due to make up work or tutoring. Instead, students have the unique opportunity to meet with their teachers during the school day to help reach their academic goals.
“We had to finish a lab in Physics and instead of having to skip lunch it was nice to be able to come in during EXCEL,” said Junior Rachel Wilson.
Some teachers are taking the EXCEL period further by requiring some of their students to come in. The Advanced Placement teachers are mandating that all students whose grades fall below a C have to come in for extra help or discussion on how to raise their grade. “Our standards are high of AP students,” said AP Biology Teacher Scott Thomas. “In theory if you are dropping below a C in class it means you will not pass the AP test. A C or higher is a more comfortable spot for students to be in.”
Some coaches are also stressing requirements for their student athletes. “The soccer team has to report to me during this period unless they are with another teacher,” said Teacher and Head Coach Jon Poole. “If they are in here with me they aren’t out there getting into trouble. But other than my team, I will be hand selecting students who I think need extra help in my class.”
Poole also mentioned that he thinks the time will be used wisely by students with some persuasion, because ultimately it is available for their advantage. Other students automatically will participate with their teachers during this specified time. “I’m taking Pre-Calculus X and Physics X this semester alone,” Wilson laughed. “I’ll need that extra time.”
With the new schedule comes a new way of meeting and getting help from teachers. During the course of the year and while drowning in schoolwork, students could inevitably find EXCEL Learning extremely helpful. EXCEL is held from 1:10-1:40 every Wednesday.
