2. - Extended Class Periods -Generally 60 - 90 minutes - Fewer Classes a Day -Generally 4 - 6 classes What is it?
3. Common Types of Block Scheduling Single Semester -also called 4 x 4 -entire course is taught in one semester
4. Common Types of Block Scheduling Alternate Day Schedule -Courses are a year long -Classes are held on alternating days
5. Common Types of Block Scheduling Mixed Schedule - some blocks and some traditional classes - generally academic classes in blocks and specials in traditional schedule
6.
7. Advantages and Benefits - increases active time in Art, PE and Lab-based classes - less time spent changing classes - allows more time for individual instruction - allows for multiple engaging activities and differentiated activities
8. Advantages and Benefits Schools have seen: - greater graduation rates - less discipline issues - improved attendance
9. Disadvantages - overall there is less class time - there can be resistance to change - single semester schedule has shown lower AP scores than traditional schedules -problematic for transfer students - students may find it difficult to catch up after missing a day
10. What does block scheduling mean to us as teachers? - effective classroom management skills - need to be aware of and use multiple activities/teaching strategies - limit downtime - do not fill class time with busy work or homework
11. References "Block Scheduling and Student Performance on AP Examinations" May 1998 The College Board http://professionals.collegeboard.com/research/pdf/block_schedules_10409.pdf http://professionals.collegeboard.com/k-12/assessment/ap/plan/options "Block Scheduling Revisited" J. Allen Queen Phi Delta Kappa International http://www.pdkintl.org/kappan/kque0011.htm CAREI - Block Scheduling University of Minnesota http://cehd.umn.edu/CAREI/Blockscheduling/QandA/default.html
