Re: Lost Lab Period

[Tim Burgess <tburgess@JAGUAR1.USOUTHAL.EDU>]

Dave,
        We underwent a similar transition about two years ago. I
realized (as the Science Department Head) that administrative support for
the "double lab periods" was weak. In a preemptive move I suggested
that the "regular students" no longer have a lab period. Those students
in special "honors classes" (aimed at AP preparation) retained the double
period.
        This had an interesting impact.  Only those students genuinely
interested in science are taking these "lab" courses.  The extra "weighting"
for the honors course is not enough to justify losing those two hours
(other courses with less time requirements offer the same credit.)
        One teacher (Biology) scheduled designated required AP labs to
coincide with break (providing an extra 17 minutes).
        Every teacher will be faced with deciding how important labs
truly are. Good luck!
Tim

> Well, it's finally happened. The administration--to solve impossible
> scheduling problems and over strenuous objections from the science
> department--eliminated our science lab period this year. Instead of six
> 45-minute periods per week we now have five 50-minute periods. We lose
> (can you do the math?) 20 minutes per week and our separate lab period.
>
> We had a department meeting today and talked about identifying key
> concepts, adding more short, hands-on activities, and making more
> efficient use of lab time.
>
> I'm wondering how others have adapted to a similar switch or what advice
> some of you might have for us (short of going elsewhere).
>
> Dave
>
> --
> David A. Simmons
> St. John's Jesuit High School
> Toledo OH
> <dsimmon@uoft02.utoledo.edu>
================================
Tim Burgess
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
Mobile, Alabama 36607