'Disgraceful' Course Selection Process Eliminated

It's described as an embedded part of the Staples High School culture that sometimes reduces students to tears and frustration. Now, the method used to determine a course schedule is no more, effective immediately.

It was called Arena, and it's been in place for as long as anyone can remember.

"Our best opinion is that it may have served its purpose at one point, but it's time has passed," said John Dodig, Staples principal. In a past meeting, he called Arena a "disgrace."

The Board of Education made the change on Tuesday night in a 6-1 vote with chairman Don O'Day casting the dissenting vote.

With Arena, in June students go from table to table trying to get the courses, teachers and time slots they want. Not all students go at once, and if a student is forced to go to a later session by the luck of the draw, then he or she might be unable to get the classes and teachers they want.

If a timeslot is filling up throughout the day, then the teacher might not allow any more students in until other times are filled. The student's schedule could change dramatically because of that. And when the students find out that there was space available in the course or timeslot they wanted, administrators say the students become angry and resentful toward the teacher. Some students reportedly cry, argue or storm out without registering for anything.

The new method will be a computerized system that will select the courses automatically based on an algorithm. The human element will be removed, freeing up time for guidance counselors.

In the old system, approximately 80 percent of all students get all the classes they want, but they might not get the desired teachers and time slots.

"I believe Arena is the essence of entitlement. I don't think that the kids should get to pick their teachers. They should get to pick their classes," said Michael McGovern, a school board member who voted in favor of dropping Arena. "And if you talk about examples of entitlement, this to me exhibit A."

The new system will be used this spring when students enroll in courses for the 2011-12 school year.