Itawamba County Schools Keep Block Scheduling For Senior High

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FULTON, MISS. (WCBI) – As Itawamba County Superintendent Michael Nanney gets ready for a new school year, he believes high school students will be better equipped because of change that began last year.

The change means students at the district’s three high schools will have four 90 minute classes each semester, as opposed to seven shorter classes for the whole year.

Nanney says this gives teachers more time for in – depth discussion.

“For that semester, students are solely concentrated on four courses, whereas in a traditional schedule it would be more spread out throughout the year, with seven courses,” Nanney said.

He also says students enjoyed the opportunities provided by block scheduling.

“They like more of the opportunity of being on a college type schedule , it gets them more in tune to that, there’s more opportunities for them to take different classes, it’s not like traditional school, like they’re used to, I think they may feel a little more freedom using block schedule,” he said.

It also provides more pathways for early graduation, and gives students more flexibility with co op or vocational courses. Plus, it could help students who might otherwise miss graduation by a few credits.

“Students are like anybody else, they may have a tough first two years then it all comes together for them and they have that option to graduate,” Nanney said.

With one year of block scheduling behind them, Nanney believes high school students, faculty and staff are even better prepared for the popular scheduling format when classes start August 7th.