Houston County New Schools Format

WTVY Enews - Get daily email news updates.

WTVY Photo Album - Share Your Digital Phots & Videos

Save

Posted: 7:55 AM Apr 11, 2008
Last Updated: 7:55 AM Apr 11, 2008

10 comments

A | A | A

Some Houston County schools are ready to implement changes aimed at saving money and improving student performance.

The Houston County School Board has voted to implement a seven-period class system starting in fall.

The change from the 4-block system could mean an increase in learning and retention due to students having English, Math, Science and History everyday according to Superintendent Tim Pitchford.

"We don't want to lay off teachers we don’t want anybody losing their jobs. Cut services for the kids, the seven-period day will take care of all of that,” said Pitchford.

Superintendent Pitchford says he's been studying scheduling options for the last 10 years and began discussing changes two years ago.

More Stories
Parents Angry Over Dress Code Enforcement

Parents Angry Over Dress Code Enforcement

Area Schools Fail to Make Progress Under No Child Left Behind

Schools Prep for Opening

State to Release School Report Cards

Houston County/Dothan City School Changes

Grant Aims to Improve Student Achievement

Dothan Plan to Extend Sidewalks to Several Schools

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: kelly Location: Dothan on Apr 29, 2008 at 10:40 AM
i think that it is a bad idea that the school is changing to seven periods.

Posted by: brittney Location: dothan on Apr 29, 2008 at 10:38 AM
i think that the seven day period is a good idea in some parts but bad in others. because some juniors and seniors have already got their math credits or any other subject. But on the other hand the seven period classes are shorter and thats a good thing. It just makes the teachers teach faster and could cause problems with some students who may not understand the subject. The freshmen of the 08-09 school year will not be able to take the math part of the ahsge until their jr year. so they have to keep up with 2 years of stuff. but every highschooler will only have to graduate with 29 credits.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: wicksburg on Apr 23, 2008 at 01:55 PM
think about the students they will have more things to do, more tests to take, and you are not saving money you will end up paying more for the books and everything else!!!! plus the teachers will have more stress on them. having 7-blocks is not a good idea.

Posted by: WTE Location: Dothan on Apr 12, 2008 at 12:25 AM
The ethics of the 50's through the 70's was a role model for all. *insert roll eyes here*

Posted by: Belinda Location: Dothan, AL on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Is this not the way it was during the late 50's through 1970? Math, English, Science, History/Geography, Physical Education, Study Hall and an elective for most students? Since attending during those years, I say "don't knock it until you've tried it". This system worked for "baby boomers", in my opinion, look at today's work ethics and the respect of our generation for others.

Posted by: Crystal Location: Dothan on Apr 11, 2008 at 01:40 PM
YEAAHHHHHHH..... Dothan schools need to switch to this also. However, it's too late for my son. We had to homeschool to get the education he deserved. He wasn't getting at Northview.

Posted by: Bill Location: Enterprise on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:03 PM
The country is so politically correct that the idea of "stupid kids" is never mentioned anymore. The poor performance is always blamed on other issues. Time we admitted that when it comes to brains, we're not all created equal.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Troy on Apr 11, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Please contact retired Asst. Principal, and multi-level educated on the topic, Sarah Andrews for the other side of this argument. She was hired to study the two systems by the State of Alabama.

Posted by: Troy Education Location: Dothan on Apr 11, 2008 at 10:08 AM
This is about saving money only. As for helping students, remember lies, damn lies, and statistics.