Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie Announces Strategy To Address Class Size Compliance: High Schools Will Have A Uniform Seven Period Schedule Beginning 2012/13 School Year

The School Board of Broward County issued the following news release on April 19, 2012:

Superintendent Runcie Announces Strategy To Address Class Size Compliance

In an effort to meet the State’s class size mandate, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) plans to implement a uniform, seven period schedule at all of the District’s high schools for the coming school year.

In researching and analyzing options to address the State mandate, it was determined that implementing a uniform schedule with seven periods at all high schools was the best step to take to make substantive progress toward complying with the mandate.  

The District plans to exercise its management right to implement the uniform seven period schedule, referred to as a straight seven, for high schools for the coming school year.  The change will be effective in meeting the class size mandate, while maintaining the educational foundation of the school day.  

The District recognizes that the Broward Teachers Union (BTU) is a vital partner in this process.  The District will continue impact bargaining and negotiations to implement this change collaboratively; however, if the District is unable to reach an agreement, it will maintain its position and authority to implement the uniform schedule to address class size.

With a seven period schedule, students will receive 9,000 minutes of instruction time per class. A seven period day will also allow high schools to offer additional electives and other programs such as Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes will continue to be options for students.

In addition to the uniform (or straight seven) schedule, there are two variations available that are similar to existing school schedules and yield the same benefits of the uniform seven period schedule – the Rotator and the A/B Block.

Previous efforts to address class size have not had the systemic change needed to be in full compliance with the state mandate for class size reduction.  In the past, the District received one-time funding that allowed it to meet class size.  With these funds no longer available and the District facing ongoing financial challenges, there was a need to look for long-term strategies and solutions.  

For the 2011/12 school year, the State imposed a $66 million penalty because BCPS was unable to fully comply with the state mandated class size requirements.  Although the Department of Education has reduced the penalty to approximately $8.5 million for the 2012/13 school year, BCPS wants to direct all its resources to the education of students rather the paying of penalties.

Superintendent Robert W. Runcie said of the initiative, “When I came to Broward and conducted my listening tours, I heard time and time again about the need to address class size issues that continue to plague the District. We recognize that our students, parents, teachers, staff and community members will have questions and concerns regarding this change.  As we move forward, details will be available via the District website regarding the high school schedule change and our ongoing efforts to address class size reduction compliance.  We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience.”