This past fall, Schechter Westchester rolled out a new schedule designed to give students the flexibility to customize their day based on their individual needs and interests.
The new schedule features a ninth block of classes, which opens up a world of possibilities for students who want to try some of SW’s impressive selection of electives, particularly in the realm of the arts. SW is committed to providing interested students with a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education and, as High School Principal Eric Bassin comments, “There’s an “A” in STEAM. I hope this new schedule gives our students more chances to experience the school’s growing arts offerings.” These include classes in visual arts, music, and acting.
The schedule change was prompted in large part by the growing popularity of the E2 (Engineering and Entrepreneurship) program, which launched a few years ago. The old eight-block schedule meant that students had to choose between E2, the Center for Academic Support, a world language, or a study hall. Principal Bassin became aware of students’ frustration with the limitations of the old schedule and treated it as an opportunity to redesign the schedule “so that it would take the holistic experience of the students into account.” The SW team brought in a consultant and, working together, they found time for a ninth course block. Students who don’t want to take on a nine-course load can opt for a study hall instead.
The addition of a ninth block wasn’t the only improvement to the High School schedule: SW now offers self-directed digital courses as well (see opposite page). They have also done away with bells so teachers can finish their thoughts more naturally before dismissing students. And once every two weeks, there are now longer, 70-minute periods for each course, which allows teachers to dig deeper into certain topics and do more hands-on projects with their classes. On the whole, the day-to-day schedule is now far easier to follow than in years past.
One aspect of the schedule didn’t need fixing: the day still ends with a half hour unstructured kehilah period, allowing students to form study groups, have club meetings, meet with teachers, prepare for afterschool athletics, or just unwind.
