School Board OKs trimesters; Northern Ozaukee says it will benefit
DAN BENSON
School Board OKs trimesters
Northern Ozaukee says it will benefit students
Fredonia — The Northern Ozaukee School District School Board has unanimously approved converting to a trimester system for the 2005- ’06 school year, replacing its current two-semester format.
Under the plan, approved Monday night, each trimester will be 12 weeks long, and no extra days will be added to the school year.
High school students will take only five classes a day, though each will be 21 minutes longer than during the current school year.
By extending each class to a full 75 minutes in length, “Students will benefit from spending longer periods of time with teachers,” said high school Principal Daniel Olson.
Proponents of the trimester system say it will make class loads more manageable for students, improve interaction between students and teachers and make better use of school time since there are fewer class changes. Also, fewer textbooks are needed, cutting costs.
Research also shows that grades and attendance increase while failure rates and discipline referrals decrease under a trimester system, officials said.
Superintendent William Harbron and the district’s Curriculum Committee endorsed the plan, and informational meetings have have been held for students and parents.
Since Northern Ozaukee will be the only school district in the county on a trimester system, it can be touted to help attract students living in other districts, officials said.
Still to be worked out are details on graduation requirements and how the new system would affect students who transfer into the system.
Several area districts have made the change to a trimester format, including Hartland-Lakeside and Shorewood school systems, as well as those in Green Bay, De Pere, Berlin and Neenah.
Copyright 2004 Journal Sentinel Inc. Note: This notice does not
apply to those news items already copyrighted and received through
wire services or other media
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.
