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Show Lmmr Classes, But Less Open Studied w By TOM BLSSELBERG North County Fditor FARM I NGTON -- Layton. Clearfield and Bountiful students can all plan on seeing their teachers less oftenbut for a bit longer, each time-come fall. AM) STUDENTS at Woods Cross High School can look forward to another year on the expanded seven-period day that was first implemented im-plemented at school's opening in September. The board of education quickly opted for the eight period scheduling but several members expressed concern at giving Woods Cross sul-llcienl sul-llcienl time on the new schedule before taking any action. IN Oi l LINING the move to eight period for Ihe three additional schools, meaning only Woods ( 'ross w ill operate on another schedule. Asm. Supt. (jayle Stevenson said the 'best option'' appeared with that program, where students attend four classes each day. meaning they see teachers every other day or twice one- week and three times the next. It was first implemented at Davis High School two years ago and has since been used as a model for other schools statew ide and even nationally. Mr. Stevenson noted, indicating at least 24 area high schools are implementing that plan. IN SUPPORTING the eight-period schedule. Tibby Milne, associate director of Dav is County Coun-ty FT A. said further a uniform program district-wide would make it easier for student transfers, for activity scheduling and administratively. adminis-tratively. A committee called to study the issue brought almost unanimous support with a dissenting dis-senting vote from Woods Cross raised only because the delegate felt that area would want additional time on the seven period schedule. Mrs. Milne said. ""It's not a panacea-it will not solve all problems-it works if we w ant it to." she continued, noting support for greater "-time on task" with the near-90 minute periods vs. 50 or 55 minutes. mi-nutes. It will force new lesson plans by teachers but allow for additional preparation time and shouldn't erode Advanced Placement class quality. "IT DOESN'T cost more to implement and gives kids a greater chance to explore concepts." con-cepts." she said further, recalling that the old six period day meant forgoing such classes as speech oi vocational. And as a kicker, she said a student taking four ears of eight period days could complete the equal of another year s classes. Reiterating "A little hesitancy" at imposing the eight-period districtw ide. Board Pres. Sheryf Allen said sufficient evaluation time was needed but said "Davis High came out very-well" in assessment testing but added, "it's not the system but those in it. Ourdesire is to be innovative" while seeking ways to upgrade up-grade educational offerines. A FORMER California" resident, indicating the eight-period had been implemented there a decade ago. said "some consistency" would be possible if the 90-minute eight-period day were followed four days and a 40-minute per period day on the fifth, giving a day "wh Sul students saw all their teachers" vs. the chanc now-every other week--of going for a five dav li i stretch between certain classes. ' JH "That option has been used in some areas " W Mr. Stevenson responded, adding "jfs ' possible in 40 minutes for "meaningful" activ ity. noting that while consistency would be ere ated initially "it doesn't present a real pro lem" after a short time when students become accustomed to the scheduling. -,frne: .i? INDICATING Layton and Clearfield Hieh must n principals "are prepared to begin planning L an eight-period" Board vice pres. Dee Forbes expressed some concern 30 hours instruction 0 time may be lost but noted "more efficient use stlc of time" might erase the difference. orany Board Member Ray Briscoe, a long-time 'n'" proponent of the eight-period schedule, noted V'11''1 "no distinguishing difference" for AP classes -lei"'1'11' under the schedule in Alpine District testing V0 although he said some additional mathematics Vs-time Vs-time might be needed. : "if thi |