PLAISTOW — Timberlane Regional High School has a list of unsettling problems within its student body — declining standardized test scores, more students failing, fewer going to college, and many reporting a negative atmosphere.
But Principal Don Woodworth approached the School Board last night with a potential solution.
He wanted its blessing to move forward with a plan to begin using block scheduling in 2009-2010. Although there are still some issues to consider, research shows the schedule change should solve many of the school's problems, Woodworth said.
"We want every opportunity to make Timberlane a great school," Woodworth said. "We think block scheduling is the way to go."
School Board members unanimously granted him that wish and told Woodworth to report back with further findings.
The plan would be for students to have four, 90-minute classes each semester, instead of eight, 45-minute periods, Woodworth said. There would be no study halls and students would be able to tailor their schedule to their individual needs.
But the real benefit would be how in-depth both teachers and students could approach each lesson and subject, he said.
A committee was formed to study block scheduling years ago, but the change was never made. Woodworth said he thought people "got the jitters" because the idea was new at the time, but now it's the predominant model at high schools throughout the country.
High school staff will begin exploring potential schedules and what teaching practices best fill the extended class time. They also will identify additional curriculum, teacher and space needs.
There's no way the switch could be made for next year, Woodworth said.
The School Board went into a nonpublic session during the middle of its meeting last night, citing a state law that protects the reputation of personnel. Dennis Tardif, the high school's retiring athletic director, met with the board for about 45 minutes.
When board members came out of nonpublic session, they voted to seal the meeting minutes for 99 years. No further details were available.
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