Of course, similar problems apply to students transferring to schools with block scheduling. Problems with Specific Courses Music programs can be at a great disadvantage. Choirs, bands, and other musical activities really require regular, year-round involvement. Sports programs face similar challenges. Many courses such as math, science, and foreign language seem to be most effective when learned in small, regular doses that the student can assimilate, rather than in intense blocks.
Teachers are more likely to teach courses outside their expertise.
In fact, Canadian studies have shown that block scheduling can hurt academic performance when assessed through objective tests. Benefits claimed by Joseph Carroll require further analysis and confirmation before they are accepted at face value. Difficulty when school is missed For a given course, missing a week of school due to sickness under block scheduling can be like missing several weeks under traditional scheduling. If the course is a challenging, content-based course like math or foreign language, catching up may be extremely difficult for the student. Of course, since total amount of material covered in a day of block scheduled classes will be no greater and perhaps even less on the average than under traditional scheduling, the problem of missed classes would appear to be no disadvantage under block scheduling.