Access period, also known as “flex,” is a chance for students to do what they need to do. Whether it be going to make up a test, getting help from a certain teacher, or just having a quiet space to work, the point is that students are able to determine what suits them best.
Previously, students were able to select the teacher they would like to go to on StudentVue. Concerns about students abusing the privilege of access prompted a change. This year, to be put into a certain access period, a teacher must add the student to their class, per their request.
Last year, there were students who used flex time to study, catch up on work, and be productive. However, a small minority of the students roamed the halls, distracted others, or simply skipped class. This behavior meant stricter rules had to be enforced, even on those using flex time responsibly.
Another goal of some of these changes was to even out the numbers in the classes. Certain classes, such as math classes, were overflowing with students needing extra help. Whereas some classes were borderline empty. Mr. Barkley previously taught calculus and was one of the teachers with many students needing help.
Barkley notes that last year it was much easier for students to make up tests; however, this year there is less “chaos” in the halls, which is good. “I liked having students be able to advocate for themselves and sign up for access,” said Barkley.
“I have found my access periods to be overwhelmed with a large amount of students, which is frustrating for my AP classes needing quiet work spaces and my Life Class students who are crowded out simply because they didn’t have an urgent enough academic need to be pulled somewhere else,” explains Ms. Zimmerman, a History teacher at WVHS.
In addition to the change in system for requesting an access class, there are restrictions on allowing students to go visit another teacher during life or flex class, even with a written note. This brings a lot of frustration to some students who feel their independence to manage their worktime is being reduced.
Students spend a lot of time during the school year in their life class. Oftentimes, that time ends up being used for unproductive work once the lesson has been given. For many, using this period to get extra help from another teacher would be very beneficial. However, this year, doing so has become much more complicated.
Zimmerman points out that she feels “a sense of frustration from students at their lack of autonomy and from teachers about the extra work put on them with the new system.” There have also been more concerns about having fewer access classes in the year than the previous years.
Though the new access period has reduced hallway chaos and balanced class sizes, it has also limited student independence and flexibility. Many teachers have benefited from the new system, while others prefer how it used to be. Finding a balance between structure and student autonomy is essential to fully take advantage of life class and access period.