LRSD proposes schedule change with more electives

LITTLE ROCK, AR – A big change could be on the way for Little Rock middle school students. Leaders want to change to an 8-period day versus the current 4-period block schedule.

Administrators say the switch would allow students to take more electives, like Broadcast Communications.

Radio and television broadcasting is already being offered at Metropolitan Tech Center. High school junior Winfred Walker has been in the program since last year.

“I want to be a film maker,” said Walker.

He appreciates the fact he can get a jump start on his goals before completing high school.

“I’ve known that I wanted to do this since I was in the sixth grade. That’s when I started writing my first movie script,” said Walker.

Broadcasting teacher Bruce Miles sees the benefits of the change for middle school students.

“If they have a better foundation by the time they get to me, it would facilitate their progress,” said Miles.

But some parents are worried, asking Monday night at a parent meeting whether the quality of instruction would be maintained with the switch.

“That is something the principal will deal with directly,” said associate superintendent Dan Whitehorn.

No decision has been made yet. The teachers must first vote on the issue and if they pass it, the LRSD board will have a final vote.

The other electives that would be offered include Dance and Creative Movement, Exploring Fantasy and Futuristic Fiction, Gifted and Talented Seminar, Imagination Zone, Orchestra, and Techno-Creative Expressions.