Clarkston considers trimester system

Like many other high school’s throughout Michigan, Clarkston High School’s curriculum will undergo some changes to meet the new state standards for graduation requirements. Though nothing is confirmed at this time, district officials are already weighing multiple options for how to adjust the workings of CHS to meet those requirements by 2011.
At the Nov. 13 Clarkston School Board meeting, CHS Assistant Principal Vincent Licata spoke about the results of a study by two graduation committee study teams. One team, which was headed by subject area coordinators, examined requirements and possible adjustments to class schedules and staff sizes.
Licata and Shawn Ryan, principal for Clarkston Junior High School, led the second group, which examined the possibility of shifting CHS over to a trimester system.
Adding a third tentative semester could have a significant impact on class scheduling, including the number of classes students are required to take on a daily basis, as well as staff sizes and how many classes teachers would be required to teach daily.
Having examined statistics on both ends of the spectrum, the board requested more information, which Licata is expected to present at the board meeting on Dec. 11.