Frequently asked questions

The 4 x 4 Block Schedule

What is a 4 X 4 block schedule?

In a 4 x 4 block schedule, students take three or four classes per semester instead of the 5, 6, 7, or 8 in our existing schedule.  Each former year long class meets daily for a half year and each former semester class meets daily for nine weeks.  Courses yield the same credit as in our current schedule.  Both the current schedule allow a student to accumulate 32 credits during their high school career. 

The 4 x 4 is similar to a college schedule and has assisted students in making a smoother transition from high school to college.

Why is a change being proposed?

There are a number of reasons to adopt the 4 x 4.  First, it lessens the number of courses students will be taking at one time allowing them to concentrate on the courses they are taking.  It also allows students the opportunity to accelerate and concentrate in areas of interest.  Teachers will be preparing for three classes instead of 5 or six at a time.  In addition, teachers will be working with and responsible for approximately one half the student load at one time.  The reduced teacher load allows for better and stronger relationships and support for their students.  The 4 x 4 will increase teaching capacity and allow for more courses in advanced and intervention programming.  Students who are not successful will the opportunity for anew start at the beginning of the next semester or quarter. 

How will the change affect the school day?

The only significant change will be a brief homeroom period three days a week and an advisor/advisee period two days a week.  That change was under consideration and unrelated to the 4 x 4.  The current assembly schedule that reduces each academic period on that day to accommodate the length of the assembly will be utilized.    

What will students gain? 

All students will have an opportunity to take fewer courses at one time which will allow them to focus their attention and efforts.  Teachers will have a reduced class and student load allowing for more individual help for students.  Increased teacher capacity will allow for reduced class sizes, more advanced and intervention classes, and more electives.   

What will students lose?

It is not anticipated that students will lose anything other than not having the same teachers all year.

What will teachers gain or lose?

Teachers will have the opportunity to add advanced placement courses, intervention courses, and to work intensely in their content area.  They will also benefit from teaching fewer courses and fewer students concurrently.

What research has been done?

In addition to extensive research of the literature for several years, seven area schools (Lawrence, Messalonskee, Deering, Rockland, Wiscasset, Bonny eagle, and Mount Desert Island) have been consulted.  All of them are happy with their 4 x 4 schedule which has had a positive impact on their students and school in general.  None of the schools contacted are considering a change to their current schedule.

If classes are condensed into a semester, how will students gain back time lost time for snow days, extra-curricular, and other interruptions to academics?

All interruptions to the academic day impact high school schools in a similar fashion regardless of their daily schedule.

How will the 4 x 4 impact AP courses and the students who take them.

All of the schools contacted reported an increase in the number of AP courses, in the number of students taking those courses, and in student scores on AP exams.  The majority of AP courses will be offered for a full year and awarded two credits.  Most will combine the AP course and the course that usually precedes it in a consecutive fall/spring sequence.  For example, most students will take Honors Pre–Calculus first semester followed by AP Calculus second semester.  In effect, they would be preparing for the AP exam over a much longer time, allowing for greater coverage of content and increased depth of learning.  It may also allow the flexibility for students to take either semester for one credit. 

How will music programs be scheduled?

Band and chorus will be scheduled together during the same period in an alternating day fashion for the full school year.  Students may take one or the other or both classes.   

How will foreign language be scheduled?

Every attempt will be made to schedule the first two levels of all foreign languages during back to back semesters.