by Katie Hill
This year, York Suburban High School is taking a different approach to scheduling by including blended classes into the curriculum. Blended Classes only meet a few days of a cycle and the rest of a student’s schedule is filled with study halls where students are expected to complete work outside of class or online. “It is a lot more work out of class than in class. You have to learn a lot on your own,” said Senior Matt Spinello.
This is to give students the independence and responsibility that is expected in later years. Senior Maddy McIlnay, who is currently taking a blended English and Creative Writing class, said, “I love the independence. It makes me feel a little more adult because I have a lot more time learning by myself rather than with a teacher. I like how there’s not as much busy work either.”
“It’s a chance for students to work at their own pace,” said Business teacher John Beach, who is teaching a blended accounting course that meets every other day in the cycle. The blended style format is promoting students to take classes they otherwise would not have taken because it opens up their schedule making it not as large of a commitment like a class that meets every day.
This format mirrors one of a college course, which is why there has been such a positive response because now the students feel a sense of direction. Their schedules are more flexible but also puts all of the pressure on them to do their work on their own time.
Like any class, blended classes also have some negative aspects. “The most challenging part is finding time to do the work,” said Stone Shetter, a sophomore taking creative writing.
“I would not recommend taking any blended classes to students who are not motivated. Motivation and task priority is key to succeeding in this type of environment,” said Beach.
The only classes being offered as blended right now are creative writing, accounting, and English V. With the first year’s success, however, this could change in the future.