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MURRAY — A program new this year in Murray lets high school students who are on-target in their classes get out early, while students who need extra help from teachers stay behind.
Called an "Extended Learning Period," students who are proficient in any given class can be released from that class once a week for 20 minutes. They're free to go to the library or talk with friends in the school's commons area or outdoor courtyard.
"We wanted to introduce a plan within the school day that students could access teachers either individually or in small groups to have their learning reinforced," said Vice Principal Deborah Sorensen.
By dismissing those early who are caught up, students who aren't can get more one-on-one time with teachers. Teachers don't have to dismiss students during the Extended Learning Period, Sorensen said, and some keep students in class and use the time for asking questions.
"The teacher may or may not release them, it's up to the teacher," she said.
Feasibly, if a student was caught up and proficient in all eight of their classes, they could be released from class for about 2½ hours per week. But many advanced placement teachers use the additional time for students to work on assignments while teachers are around to offer help.
"I haven't heard anyone complain about missing out," Sorensen said.
Some teachers and parents have told the Deseret News they dislike the program, since released students are largely unsupervised and some leave campus, even though they aren't supposed to. None of those employees nor parents wanted to be named in this story, however.
Sorensen said for the most part, the students have been responsible.
"We think its appropriate for the high school level. We want them to be able to manage themselves for short periods of time," she said. "They are well-behaved."
Murray police detective Kenny Bass said the student resource officer assigned to Murray hasn't had to deal with any major problems since the Extended Learning Period was instituted.
By dismissing those early who are caught up, students who aren't can get more one-on-one time with teachers.
"The worst thing is it's just louder for 20 minutes or so," Bass said.
Danni Eisert, president of Murray High's Parent Teacher Association, said she sees it as a positive thing.
"For those who are struggling it gives them a chance to ask questions they might otherwise be intimidated to ask in front of the entire class," she said in an email exchange. "The students who are able to grasp the instruction and stay on top of their homework are rewarded with a valuable commodity — time to hang out."
Sorensen said they modeled the program after Wasatch High in Heber City, which does something similar. So far, it's been a success, she said.
"Their grades are coming up," Sorensen said of those who get closer attention from teachers. "We're very encouraged."
Email:mfarmer@ksl.com
