The Future of FIT
Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson
For the past two school years, schools in the Vancouver School District have switched to a new schedule known as the semester system. One of the most noticeable changes with the semester system is the introduction of flexible instructional time (FIT). Next year, FIT is planned to have 160 minutes per week, 60 more than the current schedule.
Currently, FIT occurs twice a week: between first and second period on Tuesdays, and third and fourth period on Thursdays. FIT gives students the opportunity to hold self-guided educational sessions. Students can use this time for a variety of purposes; whether it is to ask homework questions or make up a missed test, FIT time is used differently by each individual.
“As students mature over the grades, toward young adulthood, naturally they'll get to know themselves and their needs better and decide what the best option for them is regarding FIT,” expressed Ms. M. Jensen (Administration).
After the new schedule was implemented into schools, the Vancouver School District decided to re-engage with students, staff and families to get their opinions on the changes to the schedule. Feedback was gathered and published in an engagement summary report on Jan. 10 this year.
When students were asked if FIT supports their success at school, 90.36 per cent of students answered yes, while 9.64 per cent of students answered no.
“From the student feedback surveys, I definitely think FIT has offered a number of supports for students,” shared Ms. Jensen. “I see students use this time in lots of different ways, such as taking care of themselves, spending time in the gym and weight room, as well as getting more invested in clubs.”
Mr. D. Lee (Science) commented, “I can see fatigue in the class at times, so having FIT is a good way to break up the day. It supports students holistically, not just with their academic success, but with other successes.”
“[On June 14] we are hoping to have a working group come together to talk about FIT and what the schedule could look like with increased time,” Ms. Jensen shared when asked about the planning of next year's schedule. “We will have teachers and students involved in this. Student voice is very important; students have insight that we may not have and can take into account.”
“We want to look at FIT and see what has been working as well as what can be improved,” Mr. D. Ambrose (Administration) shared. Something that administrators have noticed is how quickly places fill up, such as the library. “Often, I’ll see students in the halls because they can’t find a place to go.”
“It can be hard to address everybody's needs. Some people want a quiet space to work and others want to talk with their friends and relax, so it can be hard to please everyone,” Mr. Lee stated.
As of next year, the FIT schedule has not yet been finalized, however what is known is that FIT will be increased from 100 minutes to 160 minutes per week. Administration is planning to have the 2023/2024 FIT schedule shared to students the week of June 19.