Focused Learning.

I propose that education be changed from its current traditional structure of 4-5 classes at a time to 2-3 at a time. Each class would have a similar number of hours and each semester would have a similar number of credits. You would start with two classes go up to three and end on another two classes. (Ninth grade up). I think that this is advantageous because it more closely fits the way people work and think, focusing on a few things at a time aside from routine caretaking activities.
First this has the advantage that more learning is likely to take place. Neural connections form as pathways are repeatedly utilized i.e. heavy use (CTRL+F Homosynaptic plasticity). A little there a little here isn’t as effective as sustained heavy use.
As part of this system I would propose that the beginning and end of classes be staggered somewhat eliminating finals weeks and midterm clusters. This is feasible with 2-3 but not 4-5 classes because you have less staggering (2 weeks v four). This would be a vast improvement under the current system as the stress of everything hitting the fan at once would be alleviated. Each class would have a gear up stage, homework and test stage and then project and final as its last stage.
Scheduling could be more flexible as you could not take the end of semester classes and end your semester early – allowing you to take a job or an internship. Alternatively if you need to squeeze in a few more credits in order to get back on track you could delay your summer.
The main downside I can think of for this system is for someone who is trying to figure out what they want to major in. In that case the current mile wide and an inch deep approach is probably the best.
Still, as presently constituted, school can be very stressful. With less areas to focus on at one time this would be lessened somewhat.