
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 5, 1995                   TAG: 9504060038
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

BLOCK SCHEDULING OK'D FOR 2 SCHOOLS IN MONTGOMERY

After a month of debating whether or not to implement a new class schedule at two county high schools, the Montgomery County School Board approved the plan relatively easily Tuesday night.

Christiansburg and Shawsville high schools will go to four-by-four block scheduling beginning next fall. Under the block schedule, students will take four 90-minute-a-day classes per semester rather than the current seven 45-minute-a-day classes that last the entire school year.

Advocates of the block schedule say it will save time and allow teachers to use engaging instruction rather than depend on lecture-style classes.

"We're very pleased and we have a lot of work to do," said Christiansburg High School principal George Porterfield. "Actually we already started the plans two years ago with a decision-making committee."

Shawsville High School Principal Nelson Simpkins said he is "excited about the opportunities it will afford the teachers and students" at his school.

The county's two other high schools, Blacksburg and Auburn, will study block scheduling for another year before implementing it there.

The board passed the block schedule with a vote of 6-3.

Blacksburg board member Richard Edwards opposed the plan.

"I guess the difficulty I have is if the School Board is going to be involved in curriculum, it should be universal," and apply to all four high schools.

Also, said Edwards, "I just don't think all of our subject matter is conducive to 90-minute classes."

Opponents of block scheduling say performing arts classes like band and chorus need to have the continuity yearlong classes provide.

Board member Peggy Arrington also voted against the measure, saying the two high schools have not shown her a definite plan as to how the block schedule will be implemented.

"Ultimately, because we don't have a plan, some of my questions are not answered," Arrington said. "Because of that, I won't be supporting it at this time."

The school administration voiced its support of Christiansburg and Shawsville high schools' desire for block scheduling.

Annette Perkins of Blacksburg was the third dissenting vote.

"I'd like to go on record in full support" of block scheduling, said Assistant Superintendent Jim Sellers. "We sincerely believe we've done everything we can to provide you with all the information you've asked for."

by CNB