NISKERN: Revisiting modular scheduling system as Beyer reunion approaches

"A time to step out of old-school tradition and modernize the future."

— T.R. Niskern

The word modular, perhaps, makes one think of pre-made housing used as office space; the home of an elderly person; or an educational annex.

Webster's Dictionary defines "modular" as a set of modules that allow flexibility in the way that they are combined; a self-contained component of a system.

The nation's educational schedule of tradition was rocked in 1975 when Fred C. Beyer High School in Modesto presented the Stanislaus community with a non-traditional, then State-of-the-Art, new high school introducing the modular scheduling system.

Modular scheduling system, also known as Daily Demand Scheduling, replaced traditional class periods allowing Beyer high schoolattendees the flexibility to schedule classes in a manner of convenience. Each school day, a master list of classes was offeredto students allowing them to create personal scheduling options. One particular class might have been offered only once that day or perhaps up to four or five different time slots in one given day.

The ultimate goal may have been to finish classes early and leave campus; or possibly to complete class credits over and above the normal requirements to use as a reserve; or to reach a goal of graduating earlier than the allotted four-year high school program.

Beyer high school students needed to stay focused, apply themselves, and exhibit responsibility to succeed Daily Demand Scheduling.

Overall, modular scheduling had a positive impact on the majority of Beyer High School graduates.

The educational history, to date, of the nation's high school's experimentation of modular class scheduling includes only two other high schools.

During the five-year constructive modular class system at Beyer High School, a majority of students accomplished their focused and absolute goals.

Student-body Class President Debra Williams-Linhart, 51, recalls fellow graduates at the Pomp and Circumstance ceremony in 1978.

Linhart, one of the few whom accomplished graduating from Beyer High in three years, commented, "Most of the students who graduated early using the modular system took advantage of the opportunity to take advanced-level classes and maintained a good GPA."

"I felt the education I obtained from Beyer High School well prepared me for college demands," added Linhart. "Independent study habits and self-discipline in exercising time management were important tools to become successful in college."

For the first time in Beyer High School's history ... this year's Alumni Committee will be combining five high school graduating classes of 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 for the reunion.

The Beyer High Reunion is Saturday, Aug. 11 at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Modesto. It's from 5 p.m. to midnight. Sit down dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $70. For more information, go to www.beyerhighreunion.com.

Teree Niskern is a 1979 Beyer High School graduate.

This story was originally published August 4, 2012 at 10:09 AM with the headline "NISKERN: Revisiting modular scheduling system as Beyer reunion approaches."