A process is underway to consider a change in how classes are scheduled at one Windsor high school.
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is considering changes in class timetables for Vincent Massey Secondary School. Their current scheduling system is moduflex, which means classes are offered in both semester schedules and full-year schedules. The school is considering a switch to a full-semester system starting with the 2019-2020 school year.
According to a letter sent by Massey administration to students, staff, and parents, the moduflex system consists of full-year classes that meet in 38-minute periods, as well as semester courses that meet in 80-minute periods for half a year. Midterm exams are scheduled in January for semester-one classes, and final exams are in June for all full-year and semester-two courses.
Since a specific procedure must be followed before any scheduling change can take place, students and parents have been given an opportunity over the past week to hear about the proposal and the difference between the two systems.
The letter said benefits for the current moduflex scheduling include concentrated skill building in smaller increments for full-year courses, working alongside with semester classes which allow for an assortment of activities, seat and group work, labs and other activities. It also allows flexibility for students who participate in activities such as music, band, math and science competitions and French-language exams.
Benefits for the full-semester method include a focus on four courses at a time, more time for students and teachers to develop a rapport and a working relationship, and an option for students who want to re-take a course or transition between pathways.
Currently, semester classes make up 73 per cent of all course offerings at Massey, with the remainder being full-year classes.
A staff vote was scheduled to take place Thursday, according to the letter. Students and parents will be offered a chance to vote on March 19 and 20. Voting results will be taken under consideration by GECDSB superintendents and education director, who have the final say on the matter.
The complete letter sent to parents, students and staff is available on Massey Secondary School's official website.