At SMHS, students follow a 9-period schedule. However, students from other schools and counties follow a 4-block schedule. A block schedule is four 90-minute classes while a period schedule is nine 45-minute classes. There are two types of block schedules, regular (4 classes in semester 1 and 4 different classes in semester 2) and A/B block schedules (alternating classes day by day). This has sparked a debate among school districts; which schedule is better?  

 The answer is that block schedules are far superior to period schedules.  

 Block schedules allow larger class time. Therefore, teachers can spend one day explaining a concept instead of spreading it out over multiple days and classes. Teachers and students alike can forge a connection because they spend more time together. Students do not juggle 9 classes in a block schedule; they juggle 4. This will lighten the workload for stressed students. Those are some serious pros for block schedules. 

Block schedules are not perfect. Studies have proven that period schedules yield higher retention rates than block schedules. However, that is only in A/B block schedules. Regular block schedules do not show any shortcomings in that regard.  In fact, because block schedules offer more class time, students have more opportunities to reach out for help.  

 In conclusion, block schedules are better than period schedules. They offer longer class instruction, a lighter workload, and similar retention rates. While schools may decide in favor of period schedules, block schedules are the better option.