The
following set of informal notes provides questions and answers
about block scheduling.
Describe block scheduling.
The system requires that students take eight
classes a year. However, because eight classes a day can make for
a very hectic day, most schools choose to extend classes to ninety
minutes blocks. Then to conform to ninety minute classes one of
two scheduling patterns is used:
- A/B Schedule - students take four classes
one day and four different classes the next day, repeating the
process for the entire school year.
- 4 x 4 Block - students take four classes
every day first semester and four different classes ever day
second semester.
Neither schedule will change the length of the
school day or the length of the school year.
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Why
is the school changing to block scheduling? We are trying to
make a variety of improvements through block scheduling:
-
With eight classes a year possible, students
will have the opportunity to take more classes over a
four-year period. This will be very beneficial to students who
want to take additional electives, need more time in selected
areas, want more opportunities for advanced classes, need
remedial classes, and/or need to repeat classes.
-
Block schedules have shown to facilitate
positive improvements in school climate and a reduction in
incidents of student misbehavior.
-
The majority of schools in South Carolina are
using this system. Problems with student transfers should be
reduced.
-
In block schedules, teachers instruct fewer
students per day. This allows for more individual
attention to students.
-
Block scheduling provides a more efficient use
of school personnel. Teachers instruct 6 classes a year
instead of the current 5.
-
For additional advantages, scroll down to
positive aspects of block scheduling for teachers and
students.
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What about
students who benefit from study halls, especially students in
extracurricular activities?
-
Juniors and
seniors could opt for one period of early dismissal per
semester, creating
afternoon study time. For those who wish to remain on campus
and study, a single study hall could be established.
-
We could
establish an early bird study hall from 7:30 – 8:15 for freshmen
and sophomores who need
study time.
What are the affects of block scheduling on instructional
time?
This question
is one of the most misunderstood aspects of scheduling. The
correct answer is that everything depends on the situation and how
things are calculated. Here are some basic facts that apply
to A/B or 4X4.
-
A seven
period day with 50 minute classes yields 63000 minutes of total
available instructional time in a 180 day school year.
(50*7*180)
-
An eight
period block schedule with 90 minute classes yields 64800
minutes of total available instructional time in a 180 day
school year. (90*4*180)
-
A single 50
minute class yields 9000 minutes of instructional time per
course. (50*180)
-
A single 90
minute class yields 8100 minutes of instructional time per
course. (90*90)
-
If a school
chooses to double time in AP classes, which is common, the
instructional time for AP classes grows from 9000 minutes per
course to 16200 minutes per course.
-
If a student
elects to take two music classes, the instructional time
increases from 9000 minutes per subject to 16200 minutes per
subject.
-
If a student
takes supplemental academic courses, such as a math lab or
language arts lab, the instructional time increases from 9000
minutes per subject to 16200 minutes per subject.
-
If a school
using a seven period day requires students to take 6 classes in
grades 9/10/11/12, the average student graduates with 24 units
or 216000 minutes of instruction.
-
If a school
requires students enroll in 8 classes in grades 9/10 and 6
classes in grades 11/12, the average student will graduate with
28 units or 226800 minutes.
-
Students who
repeat classes or take additional classes increase instruction
time received proportionally. Increased opportunities in block
scheduling create the potential for more total instruction in 4 years
than a 7 period schedule.
-
It is a fact
that in a block schedule, a student who limits him or
herself to 24 units will graduate having received less
instructional time than for the same 24 units in a 7 period
day. However, in a block schedule, it is almost impossible to
graduate with 24 units unless the student fails and repeats
classes failed. This immediately increases instructional time
over a 7 period day.
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What are some
positive aspects of block scheduling for teachers?
-
Teachers
generally get less preps per day.
-
All teachers
get a minimum 90 minute planning period.
-
Teachers see
fewer students per day.
-
There are
less daily housekeeping chores to do each day.
-
Longer lunch
periods are possible.
-
90 minute
blocks accommodate extended lessons for things like science
labs, projects, fine arts rehearsals, etc.
-
There is
more flexibility. Double programming can be accomplished in any
desired course such as AP classes or fine arts classes.
-
Class
changes are reduced and this reduces tardies and class change
discipline.
-
Class
discipline can improve because student issues can’t carry over
day to day. Also, the schedule provides a built in cooling off
period when issues arise between students or between teacher and
student.
-
As teaching
style must be adjusted to accommodate 90 minute blocks, block
scheduling often rejuvenates a teaching faculty.
-
Managing
make-up work is easier because students miss fewer classes per
day.
What are some
potential challenges of block scheduling for teachers?
-
Teachers who
do not adapt to 90 minute blocks will be seriously challenged.
-
Teachers may
see a higher degree of disinterested students, especially in
classes not required for graduation.
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What are some
positive aspects of block scheduling for students?
-
There are
more opportunities to take more classes. This will benefit all
students from remedial to advanced.
-
College
prep/tech prep students benefit from alignment with post
secondary scheduling.
-
Students
will benefit from the flexibility.
-
Students
will benefit from the reduction of school discipline issues.
-
Longer
lunches.
-
Many classes
are more suitable to 90 minute block learning.
What are some
potential challenges of A/B block for students?
What
are some potential challenges of 4X4?
Will we be
able to maintain special programming like Ninth Grade Academy
(4X4)? Yes.
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What will a
sample A/B schedule look like?
|
Time |
Length of period |
Period-A Day |
Period-B Day |
| 8:26-10:00 |
94 minutes |
1st |
2nd |
| 10:06-11:36 |
90 minutes |
3rd |
4th |
| 11:36-12:06 |
30 minutes |
First Lunch |
First Lunch |
| 11:42-1:02 |
90 minutes |
5th |
6th |
| 1:02-1:42 |
30 minutes |
Second Lunch |
Second Lunch |
| 12:12-1:42 |
90 minutes |
5th |
6th |
| 1:48-3:18 |
90 minutes |
7th |
8th |
