Is there time for students to complete both an academic and technical core of courses?

For students on a standard schedule of 6 periods a day, it is possible, albeit challenging, for them to complete both. Doing the math, pathway students are encouraged to complete:

• UC/CSU eligibility requirements–15 courses
• Technical sequence–4 courses
• Other state-mandated graduation requirements–
  2.5 courses (physical education and
  health)

These courses total 21.5 units of the 24 typically available for students on a 6–period day schedule, leaving 2.5 courses for other electives. This assumes that the student enters high school performing at grade level, without needing to take remedial courses.

However, a growing number of high schools have adopted more flexible schedules, such as a 4x4 block, that allow students to take up to 8 courses per year. Other schools use a “modified” block schedule or offer students 7– or 8–period days. With these schedule alternatives, any challenge to squeeze these requirements into the 4–year high school educational program disappears.