SFUSD restores 7 period day for middle school students. For one school band, it's a 'relief.'

"I am happy to share that we will continue to operate seven-period schedules at all schools that currently use this model. I am grateful to the parents, principals, and our greater community who have shown up to engage with us on this issue."

"The move from a seven to a six period day would have forced students to prioritize required classes over optional electives, including music, art, sports, and other enrichment activities. Students with special needs or those who are learning English as a second language have more required classes in the day, and the change would have meant cutting out an elective altogether."

"Under SFUSD's abandoned plan, the length of the school day itself would have remained the same. But the district argued that by offering fewer classes to students and making those classes longer, the district would both cut costs and increase time in the classroom because there would be less time spent by students traveling from class to class."

San Francisco Unified School District abandoned a proposal to reduce middle school schedules from seven to six periods per day. The change would have eliminated elective courses including music, art, and sports, disproportionately affecting students with special needs and English language learners who have more required classes. The district argued the reduction would cut costs and increase instructional time by eliminating class-to-class transitions while maintaining the same overall school day length. Following community opposition from parents, principals, and students, the district announced that all middle schools currently operating seven-period schedules will maintain them. Other proposed budget cuts remain pending, including potential changes to bus systems, staff layoffs, and reductions to wellness programs.

Read at Mission Local