high school scheduling update may 1, 2012

High School Scheduling Update

May 1, 2012

Goals of New Schedule• Lower class sizes • Create and/or preserve opportunities for

students• Develop a schedule that makes sure staff has

sufficient planning time that aligns with the contract.

• Setting up a flexible situation where we are able to respond to a variety of possible budget scenarios.

HS teachers asked to teach 6 classes• Current contract language: Section G.2 pg. 8

Secondary school teachers shall have a time equivalent to one (1) instructional period set aside for planning and conference. However, when special schedules are in effect, planning and conference time should average the equivalent of one (1) instructional period per day.

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Solution• Teachers teach 6 (rather than 5).• Schedule provides 1 planning period per day.• Work with staff to develop schedules.• After consideration of various possible

schedules, all high schools have landed on “block” period schedules.

• Teachers teach 6 of 8.

Example of 8 Period Schedule

So how does the math work?

70 teachers in my building = 70 more sections

Value (70 sections) is 11.66 FTE or $835,543.00

November SBB $550 less per student = $935,000.00Mid Feb. SBB $350 less per student = $595,000.00Current SBB $225 less per student = $382,500.00

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So how does the math work?

Value of 70 sections $835,543.00 (11.66 FTE)Actual SBB reduction - $382,500.00 (5.33 FTE)Equals = $453,043.00 (6.33 FTE)

I can use the 6.33 FTE (or 38 “sections”) to reduce class sizes or add/maintain electives.

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So how does the math work?• Additional variables:

– I can use my carryover (one-time dollars) from last year to offset or mitigate the $225.00 per student reduction.

– I can use the additional one time $50.00 per student ($85K in this example) to offset or mitigate the $225.00 per student reduction. (Not our recommendation.)

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Results• For students:

– Lower class sizes – Expanded opportunities

• For teachers:– 1 Planning period per day (90 minutes/day)

• For programs:– Increased flexibility

Graduation Requirements• 8 High Schools - 24 credits (Policy IKF)

– 16 “core” credits– 8 “elective “ credits

• Castle View (“accelerated” block)– 16 “core” credits– 10.5 “elective” credits (+ 2.5 electives)

*Need to get all to the 24 credits requirements

Learning OpportunitiesMoving to six classes per teacher allowed us to maintain or expand electives and AP/IB programming.

“By adding sections, class sizes can be reduced and all current course options can still be offered.” April Principal letter to school community

Influences on Bell Schedule• Finite block of time

– 4 variables; Class, Lunch, Passing Time, Access

• Bus Schedules• State Requirements

– Total Instructional Time– Full time/Half Time for PPR

• District Policy – Board File IKF• Building Initiatives

Instructional Time Study• Looked at all 9 High Schools

– Bell Schedules 2011-12 and 2012-13

• Calculated instructional hours by following one period across all weeks in the corresponding calendar to get total hours for 1.0 credit for the year.

• Calculated Lunch, Passing Time and Access in minutes per week

• 1 min./day equals 173 min./year (approx. 3hrs)

Instructional Time Study District Averages

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Next Steps• Professional Development for Teachers:

– 1.5 Year Plan– Teaching on the Block Schedule

• Support for Principals and Schools• Finalize Master Schedules in each school• Grant students additional courses wherever

possible• Added “Freshman Success” class

Questions?