Schools in Jeff Davis Parish may shift from a seven-period day to an eight-period day to increase academic opportunities for students.

The School Board is considering the longer class period to meet the changing requirements for graduation and make the day more beneficial to students needing extra assistance or more electives, according to Curriculum Supervisor Virginia Sherrill.

“The most pressing need we have right now for an eight period day is a change in graduation requirements,” Sherrill said. “Currently only students going to college need geometry, but starting next year all students need geometry to graduate so we are going to need many more sections of that same course, especially in our smaller schools where teachers can’t fit another section of geometry in their day. It’s just not logistically possible, but if we add that eighth period, it will be another opportunity to catch more of those students.”

Sherrill explained that the extra period would create more instructional time per week, but would not lengthen the school day by much at most schools, she said. The latest dismissal would be 3:12 p.m. with most schools dismissing between 2:52-3:05 p.m.

“It’s not an eight hour day,” Sherrill said. “It’s an eight period day. Right now all of our schools are teaching a seven period day, not counting lunch and recess time.”

Adding the extra period would also reduce class sizes.

“With the smaller class sizes, we know the teachers can give much more smaller group instruction and provide more one-on-one support for students that need it,” she said.

The plan would also allow students more time to make up a class when they fail.

“Our whole goal is when you start school as a freshman, you continue with that group and you graduate with that same group,” Sherrill said. “If you fail a class, even one, you risk not graduating with you co-horts and risk remaining a freshman another year. That eighth period gives students a cushion and another opportunity to take a failed class.”

The extra period would also allow students to receive more credits, seek more electives and receive additional support through LEAP remediation, ACT prep class or WorkKeys assessments.

High achieving students that do not need remediation could be offered more programs like STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or robotic classes.

“There is a lot of opportunities with that little bit extra time,” she said.

Superintendent John Hall said a survey will be sent out to teachers and the public to receive input on extending schools to the eight period day. No decision will be made on adding the eighth period day until a final decision is made on shifting to a four-day school week.