BLOCK SCHEDULE UPDATE FROM MR MALOOF
Dear Dunwoody Community,
Over the last 8 years Dunwoody has used a hybrid version of the 4×4 block schedule for its classes. This began as part of the High Schools That Work initiative that DeKalb County School District implemented to bring instructional change to its high schools. The intention was to give teachers more quality time on task and limit the focus of academics for students from 7 to 4 classes. During these 8 years, Dunwoody has seen a constant increase in academic achievement. We have been able to offer more career and academic pathways to our students in all grades. In addition, our graduation rate has gone up because students have more opportunities for remediation. I recognize that all of these positives do not come without challenges. We have difficulty offering math and AP courses in a year long format for all students. The AP exams can not be scheduled in December for classes that end after first semester. There are times where students may have large gaps in between key math or English courses. We also have students who have difficulties with credits when they transfer in or out of our school. No one piece of evidence definitively points to the best way to schedule at DHS. This decision comes down to opinion and resources.
After spending the better part of the last month looking at research on the effectiveness of both scheduling models, I have made a decision to leave our schedule as is. I understand that there are many of you who are passionate about a traditional schedule and many who are passionate about a block schedule. After looking at the pros and cons as well as financial roadblocks for each of the scheduling models, I have concluded that there is no definitive evidence that one schedule is significantly better than the other. I also took into consideration the many surveys that have been given to our community. These surveys indicate the majority of respondents want to keep the block schedule and minimize disruption. The teachers support the extended instructional time in the classroom and prefer the 90 minute block. The teachers also feel that in a time with so much change and implementation of new initiatives, that a change would not be wise at this time.
I am aware that this decision may disappoint and even upset some of you. I ask that you respect this decision and help us move forward with the task at hand of educating the children at Dunwoody High School. This will involve building partnerships, being supportive of the learning process and devoting resources to the school. Please know that I am committed to taking Dunwoody to the next level and bringing the highest quality instruction to our students. This effort will take time and will not be easy. Let us not lose sight of what is truly the most important thing in the school. That is the quality of teachers in the classroom and the commitment of our students toward learning. I look forward to many years of service at Dunwoody High School and leading the Dunwoody Wildcats to a new level of excellence. Let us all to show our Wildcat PRIDE together.
Noel Maloof
Principal
Dunwoody High School
5035 Vermack Road
Dunwoody, Georgia 30338-4300
(678)874-8502
