When the second semester rolls around, MCPS high school students’ normal routines are disrupted by the mandatory class schedule shift. From changing the order of classes, to potential teacher switches, this alteration has a direct impact on students. The countywide action is meant to accommodate the students’ course desires and allow them more autonomy with their choices. Though many students view the schedule change to be a hindrance and unnecessary, it does have a number of benefits that students might not be aware of.
A large part of high school is forming connections with peers and making friends. Unfortunately, this social aspect of school is something that most students were deprived of in lockdown. However, with the inclusion of the split academic year, students can interact with those outside their current classes. On the flip side, the schedule switch can break up peers who have formed solid friendships over the past two quarters. Even so, it opens up the student body, allowing it to be more interconnected, both grade level and school-wide whise, while simultaneously incorporating variety into the repetitive school day.
The system also aids students who are dissatisfied with their current teachers or could not engage with a specific teaching method. Additionally, sometimes students are allowed to request a teacher change, and the semesterly switch allows students to advocate for their own education. By switching teachers, students determine what is best for them academically and actively contribute to it. Clarksburg High School junior Aleesha Dar said, “the change gives us students a second chance if anything in the first semester does not work out.” Meeting new teachers can also promote new relationships and can be beneficial for college recommendations.
Conversely, needing to switch a teacher that better caters to a student’s education can be extremely difficult due to schedule conflicts. Schools want students to thrive; however, a simple teacher change can cause an unnecessary dip in students performance due to the difference in teaching style. CHS junior Emily Gou stated, “everyone has their own way of teaching, and as a student it is exciting to experience what each one has to offer. It even helps me grow as a student when I find things or ways I learn best and can then apply them to my studying.”
Although switching teachers is helpful in that aspect, it is important for students to maintain continuity with the curriculum; this is especially important for AP classes as each teacher has a different approach to teaching the material. According to counselor John Schulien at Clarksburg High School, these teachers typically have a year-long plan laid out in order to prepare for the exam at the end of the year. Shulien said, “schedules fit together like puzzle pieces.” Keeping AP classes consistent can be difficult with the mid-school year switch and can be difficult for students who want a continuous education with the same teacher.
Though the switch has drawbacks pertaining to the longevity of friendships made in class and consistent progression with education, the benefits outweigh the flaws. Overall, schedule changes offer students the opportunity to have different experiences both socially and educationally. Though the current MCPS school schedule is not completely perfect, it is a system that can be improved upon. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the future school schedule can change at any time, and staff and students have yet to see what the future has in store.
Article by Inaya Siddiqi of Clarksburg High School
Graphic by Tanya Paul of Richard Montgomery High School