Camas High School (CHS) is implementing a temporary block schedule for the week from April 17 to April 20 due to Smarter Balance Testing for the sophomores.

Instead of the regular six 50-minute classes, students get three two-hour classes during the block schedule. The revised timetable’s goal is to provide test-takers extra time to finish their testing. 

The chief coordinator of CHS’ SBAC testing, Seanna Pitassi, took into account the results of the Smarter Balanced test from the previous academic year, which revealed that due to the condensed class schedules, students required a lengthier time frame to complete the test. As a result, the block schedule was modified in light of last year’s results to cut the testing period shorter than it was previously.

“It’s about a 3-hour test and students will have about 4 hours to finish it. We did a regular schedule last year and part of the problem with that was kids get into class, they get their Chromebooks out, they get logged in, and they get started, and then class is almost over. It took a lot longer for testing to be completed. It was a normal schedule and so it ended up taking up a week and a half just to have kids finish testing,“ said Pitassi.

There are differing views among the students on this matter, particularly among the test-taking sophomores.

“It sounds hard to engage on the same subject for two hours straight,” said sophomore Lucas Bai.

“I’m not the most excited to do the test, but I understand the need for it so I’ll convince myself that I’m excited to do it,” said sophomore Arvin Shyam.

“It’s understandable,” said sophomore Jeremy Lu. ”Testing for two hours and having two-hour classes doesn’t sound too awful.”

Non-participants in the exam are more concerned about the longer school day. It makes it more difficult for students who participate in extracurricular activities or work after school. 

As an example, consider senior Alex Hassett, who usually works shortly after the regular school day finishes. But, because of the block schedule, Hassett would be forced to arrive later than his scheduled shifts. 

“The fact that we have to stay at school until 3:20 is a violation of my civil rights and liberties,” said Hassett. 

Teachers at CHS will confront similar issues as Hassett. Kathryn Carmichael, a chemistry teacher, picks up her child every day during conference period. However, due to the long periods of school, she would have to leave early only to finish the duty of picking up her child.

“I don’t teach sixth period so I have to be here for a longer period of time and now I have issues with picking up my kid. I don’t teach sixth period usually so I can pick up my child at 3:15 and now I have issues doing that. I have to leave 30 minutes early because I don’t have anyone that can pick up my kid,” said Carmichael.