“The South Whidbey School Board has received results from the first part of its $29,000 study of the high school’s four-period day, and it suggests that a large majority of students support the program despite some educational drawbacks.Last spring the board hired Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) to conduct the study. Last week, the board received the initial report, as prepared by Dr. Roy Kruger, Dr. Majoto Hanita and Dr. Kim Yap.A student survey was developed which included input from focus groups and other community input.Graduating seniors were surveyed during the week of June 2001, and the remaining student body completed the survey the following week. In all, 507 students responded to the survey.According to the NWREL report, 144 surveys from graduating seniors were received for analysis, and 363 surveys from other students: 93 from 11th graders, 129 from 10th graders, 114 from ninth graders, and 27 who failed to identify their grade level.In measuring satisfaction with the four-period day, 83 percent either strongly agreed or agreed with the statement, Overall, the four-period day has been successful. Ten percent disagreed, and 4 percent disagreed strongly.To the statement, I’m satisfied with the current four-period schedule, 80 percent strongly agreed or agreed, while 19 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed.The report contains specific answers to many questions about the four-period day, also known as the block schedule. In general, more than three-quarters of the students agreed that:* They are enjoying the benefits of the longer class period.* They are able to incorporate their interests in learning.* They know their teachers well.* They get enough help from teachers.* They like the pace of their courses.The four-period day breaks the year up into two semesters. A year’s worth of learning is supposed to be condensed into one semester of 90-minute classes. That translates into less seat time than the state requires, but each year South Whidbey High School has received a state waiver of that requirement.The survey shows that few students long for a tradition year-long schedule of six periods a day. About 80 percent of the students did not prefer a year-long schedule. The preference for such a schedule was highest among graduating seniors, 34 percent of whom thought a year-long schedule would be better.Critics of the four-period day have pointed out scheduling problems that result for some students, and the survey bears that out. Three-quarters of students reported having difficulties getting the courses they want when they want them. This points to a problem in course sequencing, states the NWREL report. However, two-thirds of the students reported having been able to get the courses they want.The study found evidence that the school needs to improve its curriculum and instruction. Only about 40 percent of graduating seniors felt that South Whidbey High School had prepared them for their life after graduation.The NWREL report makes several conclusions and recommendations, based on the student survey as well as a focus group study with five groups, including administrators, students, teachers, PTA members and community members.Here are the significant problems that have hindered the block schedule from delivering all of its promised benefits, as the report states:* Significant problems with course availability, which hurts the continuity in the academic progress of students.* The condensed, accelerated schedule brought significant benefits to competent students, but caused difficulty for struggling students and students who miss classes due to illness or extracurricular activities such as athletic events.* The focus groups agreed that the block schedule allows more time to develop effective teaching practices, but PTA/community members feel this potential may not have been fully realized. It is important to provide teachers more training and support.* School spirit is declining, according to more than half the students.The NWREL study supports what it calls the superintendent’s decision to employ groups to further investigate issues surrounding course availability, student stress, classroom instruction and school spirit.The superintendent, Dr. Martin Laster, came under some criticism from the school board for proposing these new group studies, for fear they could delay any changes in the four-period day. As a result, he has scaled back the effort. The board’s goal is to implement changes in fall 2002.The complete 49-page NWREL study is on file at the school district office. “