Direct studies are seen as a major issue by many staff at Malden High School. It is often viewed that students use direct studies unproductively and even skip class, but what about the students who truly need them? What will they do if direct studies are banned next year? Where could they go during school if they have no time to do work when they have AP classes, work, babysitting, or sports after school?
At Malden High, direct studies are scheduled during the school day to give students time to catch up on school work, study, or take a mental break. While many students find this time helpful, some teachers have noticed that it’s not always being used as intended.
Sometimes, students are seen walking around the halls or chatting with friends instead of working. Because of this, some staff members feel like direct studies could be more effective if they had more structure or clear expectations.
Jenkins House Principal Jayson Payeur addressed how “Some students aren’t taking the opportunity wisely and working on classwork, missing assignments, homework, whatever it may be. Instead, they’re not necessarily doing the right thing and that can become problematic”
Payeur added that students who truly need them should be an exception: “There are exceptions for kids that need the extra time or support, they may be working supporting their families, and a lot of different factors take place. I’m in support of that, but I’m not in support of students who don’t utilize it correctly.” Payuer acknowledges both sides of the debate and also understands why direct studies are beneficial for students who need them.
Amy Yu, Jenkins House Counselor, also explained that she views direct studies as valuable when used correctly. “If students have obligations outside of school or have a heavy class schedule, direct study would be a good time for students to catch up on work.”
Yu elaborated on how students should be able to apply for direct studies if needed. “Students should have the option to add it to their schedule and if they really need it, they should be able to advocate for themselves.” She added that it would be helpful if students had the option to apply for direct studies when they know they will need that time.
Overall, teachers understand how busy and stressful school can get, and many support direct studies when it is used in the way it was intended. Staff wants to make sure that all students are getting the most out of their schedules.
While some teachers feel like direct studies need more structure, many students see them as a necessity, not just to catch up on school work, but also to manage everything else they have going on outside of school.
Sophomore Wongel Yohannes shared that direct studies gives her “a chance to breathe and catch up on work without having to stay up super late.” She continued, “I do track after school and have to take care of stuff at home, so I don’t always have the time to finish everything at home.”
“Some kids might not use them the right way, but that doesn’t mean that they should take it away from everyone. Some of us actually need that time. I use it to catch up or study for tests,” freshman Gyovanna Gomes said.
Another freshman, Aya Senami, added, “I think direct study should stay because not everyone has the same schedule. Some of us babysit, have chores, or help out at home, having that break during school helps a lot.”
Many students agree that direct studies are not just a free period. They are a break that helps students stay organized, lowers their stress, and handle all responsibilities they carry inside and outside of school. They understand that not everyone uses the time perfectly, but they believe the solution isn’t to take it away; it is to give students more responsibility and trust to use it right.
At the end of the day, both teachers and students want the same thing: success. Teachers care about students using their time wisely, staying safe, and getting the support they need. Students just want a chance to breathe, catch up, and balance the pressure of school, sports, jobs, and home life.
Direct studies may look different depending on who’s watching, but one thing is clear: when used the right way, they can make a big difference. Instead of taking them away, the goal should be to improve them with a little more structure and understanding on both sides. direct study can continue to be a helpful space for students to grow, learn, and just have a moment to breathe.
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