We need to look at secondary programming. Where can we do better?”

Principal Scott Doran

Hastings High School could eventually move from its traditional seven-period school day to a four-period block schedule as administrators look for ways to expand career pathways, electives, internships and hands-on learning opportunities.
High school administrators presented the concept to the Hastings School Board Wednesday, Sept. 23, following an extensive discussion at an earlier board work session.
No final decision was made Wednesday. If the district ultimately moves ahead, the first year under a block schedule would be 2028-29, leaving 2027-28 for extensive teacher training and preparation.
Principal Scott Doran said the discussion grew out of several years of work to improve secondary programming as the district deals with declining enrollment and tries to provide programs that attract and retain students.
"We need to look at secondary programming. Where can we do better?" Doran said of the directive that began the work several years ago.
Much of that work has evolved into career pathways, with introductory, intermediate and advanced courses and opportunities for job shadows and internships.
Doran said one limitation of the current schedule is time.
"We're finding that we need more time per class," he said. "We need to be able to get out of the classroom, break down those four walls, and get out into the community."
Under the concept presented to the board, students generally would take four approximately 90-minute classes each day rather than seven shorter classes.
The district calculated that the current seven-period schedule provides 326 minutes of instruction per day — six 46-minute classes and one 50-minute class. Four 90-minute periods would provide 360 minutes.
Assistant Principal Chris Moore said the longer periods could work particularly well with the district's growing career pathways.
Business partners have repeatedly told the district that graduates need more than technical knowledge, he said. Employers are looking for dependability, communication skills and the ability to work effectively with managers, customers and co-workers.
Longer periods could make it easier for students to leave the building for job shadows and other career experiences.
The administration recognizes, however, that some programs do not fit neatly into a traditional block.
Music is one of the biggest examples.
"We have a very strong music program in Hastings, and we don't want to hurt that program," Moore said.
Administrators are considering "skinny" courses in which a 90-minute block could be divided between two courses. That could allow band, choir or orchestra students to continue participating throughout the school year rather than devoting an entire block to music for only part of the year.
Administrators also believe block scheduling could substantially increase the number of classes available to students without increasing staffing at the same rate.
Doran said teachers currently spend about 71.4% of their day working with students under the seven-period model. Teaching three of four blocks would increase that figure to about 75%.
He estimated that the increased efficiency could provide the equivalent of approximately 2.6 to 2.7 full-time positions.
Doran emphasized that the proposal isn't intended as a staff reduction.
"We're not looking to utilize this scheduling as a staff reduction and a cost savings," he said.
Instead, he said the additional capacity could be used to expand pathways and electives. Administrators estimate the number of sections offered could increase from about 550 per year to approximately 660 — roughly 110 additional course opportunities.
The district also presented possible student benefits, while stressing that they are potential outcomes rather than guarantees. Those include fewer course failures, fewer discipline issues because of reduced passing time and stronger student-teacher relationships.
Doran said another benefit could be reducing the number of courses students have to manage simultaneously.
"Managing seven courses, and then having an hour to two hours of homework ... now to break that down to three to four," he said. "Basically four classes instead of seven."
Administrators also outlined challenges that would have to be addressed before any change.
Advanced Placement classes are one. Officials will have to determine how AP courses fit a quarter-based schedule while preparing students for spring AP exams. Another issue is the potential gap between sequential courses if a student completes one course and does not take the next until months later.
Shared staff between Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School would create scheduling complications, while transportation could become a significant issue if the district expands internships, job shadows and off-campus learning.
Graduation requirements would also have to change.
Under a four-by-four block schedule, students could potentially complete 64 courses during four years. Administrators are leaning toward requiring 56 credits for graduation rather than 58, providing flexibility for students who struggle academically or experience circumstances that interfere with completing courses.
Doran said the district would not simply switch calendars and expect teachers to adapt.
"If we decide to, next year would be a full year of staff PD," he said. "You can't roll out a block and have teachers assuming I can just cram two lessons together and teach the same way I've always taught."
That would put implementation, if ultimately approved, in the 2028-29 school year.
The Sept. 23 presentation was part of the board's discussion agenda rather than a final action on the change. Block scheduling was one of the major discussion items listed on the meeting agenda along with the ice arena and other district matters.