[heading]Students maximize time in supervised block[/heading] Between AUT and study halls, RBHS offers plenty of opportunities for students to complete schoolwork. Still, some students find that prioritizing their time to get all of their tasks done can prove difficult. Often, the solution for that is LOP (Loss of Privilege), which replaces that AUT time with a supervised block dedicated solely to finishing any late work.
Sophomore Trey Robinson landed himself in one of these blocks by skipping a class, but his experience turned out much better than expected.
“I was bored in LOP, but at the same time I did get a lot of work done,” Robinson said. “I feel like I have trouble structuring my work time all the time because I get distracted.”
LOP supervisor Brieann Fountain said the block provides students with computers and other materials necessary to complete their work.
“I have had many students tell me throughout the school year that they feel they get a lot done when they are in ISS/LOP,” Fountain said. “I believe that the required silence really sets the tone for most students to focus on work.”
School administrators are happy with the results of LOP, particularly on students who don’t get in trouble often. The block is typically given to people for truancies or skipping a class. Usually, two LOPs are the consequence for skipping one class. Assistant principal Dr. Tim Baker calls it a double-whammy and said it is the way it is to encourage students from not skipping a second time.
“We don’t really keep track or run reports of effectiveness, but we find LOP to be extremely effective for kids that don’t get into a lot of trouble. For example, if we took away the AUT of a student that doesn’t really get in trouble a lot and put them in LOP for that part of the day, they wouldn’t ever want to go back there,” Baker said. “But it’s probably not as effective for kids that get into trouble often. It loses its effectiveness when you go in there a lot. We recognize that, but it’s the best in-house detention that we’ve got.”
[quote cite=”Brieann Fountain”]I have had many students tell me throughout the school year that they feel they get a lot done when [in] LOP.[/quote] Since the room is also next to the Success Center, tutoring opportunities are, literally, right next door. But regardless of LOP’s helpfulness, Fountain does not think it’s the solution for every student who finds himself or herself with a lack of motivation for school.
“LOP is meant for consequences only. However, I certainly support students being able to have solutions for motivation to do school work,” Fountain said. “There are study hall blocks available which I encourage students who need that extra study time to take. Students can visit with their guidance counselors regarding their options for extra support in this area.”
Baker likes that LOP helps in two ways: it dissuades people who are not accustomed to getting in trouble from breaking the rules again and is academically beneficial because students are forced to do schoolwork during their time.
In spite of LOP’s helpfulness in productivity, Fountain said replacing an AUT with an LOP block is not an option because of the same reason she mentioned earlier, which is that LOP is meant to be a consequence. She still, however, has had students ask her to be in LOP to have time to work quietly and focus. Robinson agrees with her that although it’s a helpful tool, replacing AUT with LOP is not a good idea.
“I would never consider that because AUT is a chance for kids to relax and take a mental break from work if they choose to do so,” Robinson said. “LOP would just give kids one less thing to look forward to. I think it isn’t for everyone.”
infographic by Megan Goyette