2022-23 Block Schedule FAQs
How will next year’s schedule be different from the current year?
On “A” days, students will attend periods 1, 3, 5 and 7. On “B” days students will attend periods 2, 4, 6 and 8.
The schedule will rotate each school day – for example, if Monday is an A day, Tuesday would be a B day, and so on, with the following week then beginning with a B day. As always, the schedules on some days might be modified to accommodate testing, early release, pep rallies or similar schoolwide events.
In the current 2021-22 school year, RISD secondary schools are operating on an ABC block schedule. Students attend periods 1 and 8 every day for 45 minutes, and then rotate to an AB schedule of 90 minutes classes. On A days, students attend periods 3, 5, and 7. On B days students attend periods 2, 4, and 6. Every Friday is a “C” day where students attend all classes for 45 minutes. Under the current 2021-22 ABC block schedule, Advisory is a separate 90 minute class period.
One important difference between next year’s AB block schedule and the current ABC block schedule is that the first day of each week under the current ABC schedule is always an A day, while next year, the first day of each week can be either an A or a B day, depending on the calendar.
Each school day on the 2022-23 student academic calendar will be designated as an A or a B day, so parents, students and staff will always be able to easily see whether a day is A or B.
What is Advisory and what do students do during Advisory time?
What is a double blocked class?
For example, that means a student in a double blocked class may have that class for period 1 on A days and the same class for period 2 on B days.
How will RISD’s shift to an AB schedule for the 2022-23 impact my student?
Counselors at each high school have sent 2022-23 course verification letters, requesting an additional course selection from students. Students who have already signed up for a course that is double blocked will not need an additional course.
Why is RISD moving from an ABC Schedule to an AB Schedule?
In January, RISD surveyed staff, students, and parents about the current 2021-22 ABC block schedule. As a result of the survey and keeping a focus on academics, RISD made the decision to shift to an AB Block schedule for 2022-23. The following is some of the results from the data.
- Survey Data highlighted the desire for students and staff to have consistency with 90 min classes.
- A majority of teachers and students did not prefer a C Day.
- A majority of teachers and students felt 90 minutes was too long for advisory time.
- Students felt more in-depth learning occurred in 90 minute blocks, along with additional time for differentiated support.
Students are able to complete more work within a 90 minute class block and therefore require less time later at night to complete homework. From a budgeting and resource standpoint, RISD feels an AB block model is sustainable as a district standard into future years. The RISD Teaching and Learning Division continues to adjust district instructional resources and lessons to reflect the consistency of the 90 minute classes. In addition, this model will allow all four RISD high schools to share a common bell schedule for the first time.
Why are some Berkner students being asked to drop an elective?
Berkner students will still be able to earn 8 credits yearly; however, students enrolled in double blocked courses will earn 7 credits yearly.
For the past few years, all Berkner students had the opportunity to earn 8 credits per year. Each 9th and 10th grader is required to take AVID University. Students in this course study and prepare for college entrance exams from TSIA as freshman to SAT and ACT as sophomores. This course counts for a full credit yearly. The course prepares the students to enroll in advanced courses such as Dual Credit, OnRamps, and AP.
Students in 11th and 12th grade are not required to take AVID, but can choose to continue into AVID if they wish or they may take an additional elective course. These options will continue moving forward. Rising juniors and seniors will still have the opportunity to take an additional elective course.
In the event that a rising 9th or 10th grader enrolls in a double blocked course, they will be allowed to drop University 9/University 10. This will be done on a case by case basis and students should consult with their counselor.
How does AB Block affect GPA?
Questions about GPA can be directed to the high school counselor.