MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Whitehaven High School is trying a new way of learning.
The principal added an eighth period.
Students are assigned to classes based on their needs like improving literacy or prepping for their ACT.
“Every kid doesn’t need the same thing,” said Principal Vincent Hunter. “We use an eighth period for those students who may be behind so that they can catch up with coursework to allow them to graduate with their cohort or their class.”
The period is also used to prepare students for Advanced Placement tests and the ACT, and to improve the literacy rate.
It’s all part of the district’s plan to improve graduation rates and get students ready for college.
“It’s not a one-stop shop for everybody. It’s not a cookie-cutter approach,” said Hunter.
Whitehaven High is block schedule meaning there are longer periods, but students don’t go to that class every day.
Eighth period is an hour and a half on Tuesday and Thursdays.
This is the third year the extra period has been around.
“You will be surprised how my score has increased. I went from a 23 to now a 28 in reading, so that’s something I’m grateful for,” said senior Mackenzie Walker.
Hunter since eighth period, ACT scores improved overall, up to nine percent more 9th graders moved to 10th grade, and more students have graduated.
“We have to get away from the cookie-cutter approach in preparing children for graduation and preparing them for life,” said Hunter.