Opinion: What’s Wrong With the New A/B Schedule

There are many types of schedules that schools can follow. Carter High School has been going by the block schedule – until now. Next year, students will follow the A/B schedule. With this schedule, students will take four of their eight year long classes on Monday (this could be represented by A), the other four on Tuesday (this could be represented by B), and that pattern will repeat throughout the week. We may have alternating Fridays as well (for example, one week’s Friday will be A and the next week’s would be B).

Many students are talking about their dislike for the new schedule, as it would just feel hectic and stressful.

I think that we shouldn’t change the schedule next year from the current block schedule to an A/B schedule.

First of all, students may find this new schedule to be stressful, as we will be taking eight classes at once for the whole year. Having to juggle eight classes rather than four at a time will be difficult, especially when it comes to having to do homework and studying for tests.

In addition, students who have been here while we’ve had the block schedule may find the new schedule to be chaotic. We’re so used to the block schedule with four classes each semester, so this is going to be a huge and difficult change, especially for us.

Finally, this new schedule may affect fine arts, like band and musical theatre, and make them chaotic and difficult to plan meetings and practices. For example, if a student is in both the Marching Band and Concert Band (which is the case for most band students), they would have to take both classes at the same time, which could be more overwhelming to the student.

Yes, this new schedule is implemented for a reason. One of Knox County’s goals is to get all of its schools on the same schedule (the A/B schedule) so that it’s easier for transfer students within the county to navigate their new schools. The new schedule is also supposed to give students more time with subjects, as the classes will be year long rather than semester long. 

Even though this is a good reason for the new schedule, the cons just outweigh the pros.

All in all, though the new A/B schedule has its benefits, it’s overall just not a good idea. Students feel that keeping the current schedule would be much more beneficial.