In the past, PrimeTime has given students 25 minutes to work on assignments and study. Students involved in academic UIL have been able to meet with their coaches, and those behind on work have been able to go in to take tests or get work from their teachers. Last year, teachers noticed that some students were not using the time in a productive way, and having a schedule that changed daily often felt inconvenient and confusing. To keep career and technology classes meeting the minimum number of minutes each week, PrimeTime has been removed from the schedule.
PrimeTime should be improved to meet requirements, benefit students and work better for teachers, not completely removed from the schedule.
Although it may be less evident in the fall semester, student schedules do not always allow for adequate time to study or complete homework outside of school. Students have responsibilities outside of school, so having even 30 minutes during school to work on assignments can make a significant difference in students’™ workloads and their ability to stay caught up with schoolwork.
In the past, students participating in academic UIL and journalism classes have relied on PrimeTime to meet with coaches and get interviews without disrupting class. Removing this time will inevitably affect the quality and outcomes of these organizations.
Last year, the PrimeTime bell schedule only applied to Tuesdays and Thursdays, which meant teachers and students had to keep track of multiple schedules, and the bells were not always on the correct schedule. Having PrimeTime every day would give students more time to work and make a simpler schedule.
Although some feel that not all students would constructively use PrimeTime, this is not a valid reason to remove a resource that would allow the majority of students to be more successful. If this is the main concern, steps could be taken to ensure that students who consistently waste time are given something to do.
PrimeTime should be improved and altered to meet requirements, but removing it entirely will negatively affect students. This time should be returned to allow students to be better prepared for their classes and more successful in extracurriculars.