Trimesters may be history in Clarkston as the Board of Education considers switching back to semesters.
The change, which would take effect next September if approved, would increase focus on core curriculum, class continuity, connections between students and teachers, and opportunities for cross curricular collaboration, said Assistant Superintendent Shawn Ryan at the Oct. 28 school board meeting.
School board members said they were concerned about the timing.
“When we were making the decision to go to trimesters, it seemed to be studied for a long time,” said Board Vice President Susan Boatman. “We seem we doing this really fast.”
Scott Bendle, parent of a high school junior, agreed.
“This does feel a little fast,” said Bendle, during public comment. “I’m a little disappointed that this would happen in his senior year ? this feels wrong right now. More is needed.”
“It’s important to keep parents in the loop,” said Trustee Cheryl McGinnis. “It’s important to make sure they have this information.”
Trustee Stephen Hyer said they considered 6-7 scheduling options when deciding to go to trimesters. They also had to make curriculum changes to meet new state requirements and the trimester system.
“That took a significant amount of time,” Hyer said.
It would be easier to move back, he said.
Ryan said a committee of administrators and teachers has been working on it for the past 18 months.
Clarkston Board of Education’s meets at 7 p.m., Nov. 11, at the school administration building, 6389 Clarkston Road. Call 248-623-5408.