School Committee hears from concerned students and parents on proposed new Schedule

Waltham’s School Committee met before a packed lecture hall on Feb. 25 as students, parents and teachers gathered to give their unanimously critical input on a new proposed schedule which would reduce high schoolers’ course loads from 40 to 35 weekly hours. 

The change has been in the works since last spring, put forth by a scheduling committee made up of teachers and administrators. The new schedule would eliminate the eighth period, thus increasing the amount of time students spend in their seven other periods. Although their aim is to increase learning time and subsequently MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) test scores, attendees argued that the loss of an elective period would have a significant negative impact on student life and development. 

Approximately 10 students and parents spoke before the committee, outlining their concerns. All the speakers praised the robust education made available at Waltham Public Schools, mentioning the Career and Technical Education Program, the arts and music electives and the Biomedical Science Pathway. 

Under the new schedule, students would be forced to choose between these opportunities and Advanced Placement classes, which comprise a more traditional college track. It could also potentially eliminate the Hawk Block, which is a group work period for students to meet with one another and with their teachers. 

Students expressed that the extensive electives and career programs offered at Waltham schools give them an edge in the college application process. They also provide a break for students during stressful days in challenging academic classes and offer a chance to develop their personal interests beyond traditional subjects. 

Parents said the electives provide their children with invaluable opportunities to grow as people and build confidence. One mother spoke about her son’s decision to choose his cosmetology CTE program over an AP class, and expressed disappointment that he was forced to choose rather than have the opportunity to take both classes. 

Many parents who spoke were themselves graduates of Waltham public schools, and said that the electives they took as students laid the foundation for their personal and professional competence as adults. Several praised the Music Unlimited program, and said their children may not have the opportunity to participate in all the classes available to them. 

Several speakers also said the schedule was especially exclusionary toward students enrolled in English Language Learner classes. Those students would have to give up even more opportunities to explore, because their ELL programs take up valuable credits. 

Overall, parents’ criticism of the new schedule was rooted in gratitude for the school’s diverse curriculum and fears that students would not be able to fully utilize it. One father of three WPS students told the Committee, “To not take advantage of those CTE programs… It seems nuts. It seems like shooting ourselves in the foot.”

An additional public forum will be held on Monday, March 2 at 6 p.m. in person at Waltham High School. A virtual session will follow at 7 p.m. Community members will have another chance at this forum to express their opinions to the Committee before a vote is taken.