High School SchedulingHigh School Scheduling

February 15, 2011 February 15, 2011

“We should strive for a school schedule that is flexible enough to provide more learning time for students who need it and more choices for those who don‘t need more learning time.”

The 4 X 4 Schedule with a Limited Numberof Yearlong Embedded A/B Classes

Sem. 1 Sem. 2 Time Per Course - 90 min.Block 1 Class 1 Class 2 Choices Available - 8Block 2 Class 3 Class 4 75% EfficientBlock 3 Class 5 Class 6 Student Load -8 Block 4 Class 7 Class 8 Teacher Load - 6

Sem. 1 Sem. 2Block 1 Class 1 &2 Class 1 & 2Block 2 Class 3 Class 4Block 3 Class 5 & 6 Class 5 & 6Block 4 Class 7 Class 8

4X4 Hybrid

The Hybrid 4 X 4 Schedule Advantages Choice Flexibility for double-dosing for students who

need additional assistance in specific subjects. Acceleration and Credit Recovery Possibilities Accommodates the Testing Calendar Reduces Teachers Needed by Approximately 4% Reduces the total amount of resources needed

at any one time. Longer class periods encourage teaching with a

variety of instructional methods.

The Hybrid 4 X 4 Schedule Advantages

Fewer “start-ups” and “endings” result in more useable instructional time.

Fewer class changes improve school climate, discipline, and cleanliness.

Because teachers see fewer students daily they know students better and are able to give more individual assistance.

Adaption's Needed for: Arts AP/IB Classes Foreign Language Math

Math RecommendationsMath RecommendationsSemester Block CoursesSemester Block Courses Introductory MathIntroductory Math Foundations of AlgebraFoundations of Algebra Foundations of GeometryFoundations of Geometry Technical Mathematics IITechnical Mathematics II Applied Mathematics IApplied Mathematics I Applied Mathematics IIApplied Mathematics II Advanced Functions and Modeling (AFM)*Advanced Functions and Modeling (AFM)* Discrete MathematicsDiscrete Mathematics

Math RecommendationsMath Recommendations

A-day/B-day Yearlong Block CoursesA-day/B-day Yearlong Block Courses Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus Integrated Math I-IV: (not discussed Integrated Math I-IV: (not discussed

specifically but this group parallels the specifically but this group parallels the traditional sequence minus the traditional sequence minus the remediation need)remediation need)

AP MathAP Math IB MathIB Math

Math RecommendationsMath Recommendations

A-day/B-day Yearlong Block Courses A-day/B-day Yearlong Block Courses & Semester Block Courses& Semester Block Courses

Algebra IAlgebra I GeometryGeometry Algebra IIAlgebra II

Research SummaryCanady and Rettig, 2000

I. Almost Guarantees From A/B or 4/4Block Schedules The number of discipline referrals to the office is

reduced. The number of class tardies is reduced. The school day becomes less stressful for both

students and teachers. Over time and with quality staff development,

teachers change teaching behaviors; there tends to be less lecture and more active student engagement during classes.

Research Summary con’t.

After at least two years of implementation After at least two years of implementation 65-80 percent of teacher, students and parents 65-80 percent of teacher, students and parents state they prefer the block. In schools with A/state they prefer the block. In schools with A/B and 4X4 schedules, the percentage of B and 4X4 schedules, the percentage of support is greater than 90%.support is greater than 90%.

Both teacher and student attendance is likely Both teacher and student attendance is likely to improve slightly.to improve slightly.

There will be an increase in the use of media There will be an increase in the use of media center materials and technology.center materials and technology.

Research Summary con’t.

I.I. Academic ResultsAcademic Results The number of students on the Honor Roll will The number of students on the Honor Roll will

increase.increase. The overall GPA for the school will increase.The overall GPA for the school will increase. Students will complete more classes. For a Students will complete more classes. For a

selected group of students this seems to lead to selected group of students this seems to lead to completion of additional math classes and higher completion of additional math classes and higher levels of other classes. Students also have levels of other classes. Students also have opportunities for traditional classes in CTE and in opportunities for traditional classes in CTE and in the performing arts.the performing arts.

Student failure rates will decline.Student failure rates will decline.

Research Summary con’t.

Graduation rates will increase.Graduation rates will increase. The overall dropout rate will decrease.The overall dropout rate will decrease. There is evidence that special education There is evidence that special education

resource students benefit from being assigned resource students benefit from being assigned fewer classes at one time.fewer classes at one time.

Schools gain flexibility in helping students who Schools gain flexibility in helping students who need to be accelerated and students who need need to be accelerated and students who need extended learning time.extended learning time.

There is no consistent evident that just changing There is no consistent evident that just changing the schedule will increase or decrease the schedule will increase or decrease performance on standardized tests.performance on standardized tests.

In ClosingIn Closing

““"...the only way to pull ourselves "...the only way to pull ourselves to higher ground is to pull to higher ground is to pull together. We must blend hands, together. We must blend hands, brains, emotions, talents, brains, emotions, talents, materials, machines into a mighty materials, machines into a mighty symphony of action for the symphony of action for the common good." -- Wilferd A. common good." -- Wilferd A. PetersonPeterson

Additional InformationAdditional Information

http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/glennhshttp://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/glennhs