Who wouldn’t want fewer classes? Doesn’t less schoolwork sound great? While the possible 7+1 schedule sounds amazing, it is really a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The many downsides of the new schedule would far outweigh any possible benefits.
First, switching to the 7+1 schedule would take choices away from students. If students have four core classes and take health and PE in person, the 7+1 would leave them with only two elective classes.
Furthermore, if a student is going for the advanced diploma, they will most likely be enrolled in a world language class at any given time. In this scenario, a student may only have one elective class, excluding world languages. More is needed for students to pursue their passions suitably.
For example, a sophomore could be taking Math Analysis, English 10, Biology, and World History 2, along with Health and PE and Spanish. With the plus one block, this leaves the student with only one free elective spot.
One part of the reasoning behind switching to a 7+1 schedule is that it would prevent students from taking study halls. For example, at Western Albemarle High School, students are more likely to take a study hall than an elective. However, on the 7+1 schedule, the “plus one” would serve a study hall-like function. This would effectively force everyone to take a study hall, effectively raising study hall enrollment to 100%, just under a different name.
The 7+1 schedule also aims to reduce student stress over having too much schoolwork, which negatively impacts their mental health. While this is a legitimate concern, there is plenty of framework in place to reduce the stress of assignments, perhaps the most important of which is the current grading policy.
In the current grading policy, 50% is the minimum grade, all graded assignments are eligible for retakes and no late penalties for work turned in within two weeks. This already takes plenty of weight off of students’ shoulders, without negatively impacting those who don’t feel stressed.
Taking electives that you enjoy can also reduce stress. Enrolling in band, drama, or art class can give you time to do something you enjoy. Taking a CTE class, such as audio production or culinary arts, can also alleviate stress while setting you up for a career.
One of the main arguments for the 7+1 schedule is that it would reduce teacher workload. The issue of teachers being overworked is a huge problem and one that needs to be addressed. However, the School Board should consider other ways to help teachers manage their workloads, such as reducing class sizes. This would be beneficial to both teachers and students, rather than sacrificing student choice.
While there are a few benefits to the 7+1 schedule, making the switch would hurt more students than it would help. Between the lack of opportunity and support systems already in place, the 7+1 schedule is an unnecessary change that would make little difference in the student issues it aims to resolve.
