On Feb. 25, scholars from Hollins, Lakewood and Gibbs High Schools attended the Pinellas County School Board meeting with parents and teachers to speak in opposition to a district proposal to discontinue block scheduling.
GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor
PINELLAS COUNTY — In many households, when toddlers start to scoot and crawl, toy blocks with letters and numbers are introduced as learning tools. Parents begin to recite and sing the alphabet, and the toy blocks become the building blocks of learning. On Feb. 25, scholars from Hollins, Lakewood and Gibbs High Schools attended the Pinellas County School Board meeting with parents and teachers to speak in opposition to a district proposal to discontinue block scheduling.
Introduced in 2010, block scheduling provided students with more time for teaching and allows for differentiated instruction, an eight-period day and opportunities for enhanced schedule variety through the selection of electives. Scholars from various areas in the district chose magnets in part because of the opportunities afforded by block scheduling.
The scholar/parent-led opposition to the proposed change also challenges the manner in which the district made the announcement. Many feel they have been blindsided. Unlike other significant district changes, the block schedule elimination announcement was not publicized, and those affected did not feel adequately informed. Additionally, the change is being made for economic reasons at the expense of teaching and learning, contrary to the district’s vision statement and values.
Scholars are adamant that the shift from a 90-minute class period in an eight-period day to a 45-minute class period in a seven-period day will severely hinder their ability to complete their chosen academic programs and obtain the necessary credits for graduation and college admission. The 45-minute periods are not adequate for effective teaching and drastically limit the time available for students to ask questions and gain clarifications, especially when factoring in administrative tasks like attendance. This reduction in class time will unequivocally undermine both the quality of education and students’ overall achievements.
This student-led movement is reminiscent of the student-led opposition to the decision to remove “The Bluest Eye” from teaching curricula. The operative question is whether or not South County scholars will be afforded the same considerations. Historically, blocks were introduced early in a budding scholar’s learning regimen and block scheduling has found a place in their lives as they matured. It is obvious that scholars want their blocks. The question then is what else can district administrators eliminate to meet their funding challenge while preserving the learning environment for its scholars.
Dr. Goliath Davis is a former St. Petersburg police chief and deputy mayor who advocates for education in Pinellas County, focusing on Black student achievement.
