Wyandotte Middle and High School Students Could Get an Extra Class Period Tacked Onto Daily Schedule

Beginning next school year, Wyandotte’s middle and high school students could be taking seven classes a day, rather than the six they are now.

The school day would not be extended, but rather class times would be shortened to make way for an extra period.

The extra class could allow students to get extra help in a subject they’re struggling in or could allow students an opportunity to take an elective they’ve previously had to pass up because of a full schedule.

“We have increased graduation requirements so much that it’s been hard for any students to take any electives,” school Superintendent Carla Harting said. “Students have to make a choice between taking an advanced placement class or something else they would like to take, which might be theater, music, art or any other electives. This could provide them a chance to take a class they’ve been wanting to.”

Some electives, such as wood shop and art, have been cut in past years at both and because of low enrollment. If students had an extra class to fill on their schedule, Harting said, courses like wood shop and art could be brought back if enough students showed an interest.

There’s also the hope that grades would improve as students who had difficulty with math, for instance, would have an opportunity to take an additional math class for that extra course.

Details of how the extra class time would be doled out is still being researched and must be brought to the Board of Education for final approval, Harting said. If the extra class is instituted, she said, it wouldn’t take effect until the 2012-13 school year.

“We’re doing timelines right now … and should know by next month where we’re headed,” Harting said. “This is not something we are going to say we are doing tomorrow. By adding these classes, you have to make sure you have the materials, the teachers, the curriculum.”

Wilson Principal Thomas Kell said he's thrilled about the extra class period as it "opens up enormous opportunities for kids."

“When you have a locked schedule, it’s hard to provide individual instruction,” he said. “By having another period in the day, … you can do a lot of different things. We’re excited about it.”