The Board of Ed is expected to vote on it on Jan. 9th.
Frederick County Citizens are being asked to comment on a recommended schedule change for middle school students. The proposal being considered by the Board of Education would require students to attend 7, 47-minute classes each day, rather than the current 5, 90-minute classes. "We're aligning to the Maryland State Common Core State Curriculum," says Thomas Saunders, Instructional Director for Middle Schools. "The changes are necessary because of the new assessment that will be in place two school years from now."
The Maryland Common Core State Curriculum is scheduled to into affect in the 2014-2015 academic year.
Saunders also says the new schedule will give students more class time for science and social studies to go with English language arts and math. "It provides equal time for each of those," says Saunders. "Currently, that is not the case. There's more emphasis on language arts and math. What this will do is make them all equal."
"English, math, social studies, science will all be given each day, and be given the same amount of time," he continues. "Currently, what happens is that social studies and science are only done on a semester basis as opposed to all year long. This schedule will provide English, math, science and social studies all year long."
The proposal was introduced to the Board of Education on Wednesday, November 28th. The board is expected to vote on this recommendation on January 9th. In the meantime, citizens are encourage to learn more about the proposal, and offer their comments.
They see the report at www.fcps.org/msschedule, read the materials prsented at the school board meeting on November 28th, and review a video of that meeting. They can offer comments by calling Mr. Saunders at 301-696-6810, or send an e-mail at MSScheduleFeedback@fcps.org. Mr. Saunders' e-mail is Thomas Saunders@fcps.org.
If the Board approves this new schedule, it will take affect during the 2013-2014 academic year. "Inherently, anything new you have some kinks. We want to make sure we have them completely worked out," he says.
