Introduces a 4x1 block scheduling method that was developed as an alternative to 4x4 block scheduling. Schedules Fridays for summer school, test preparation, and enrichment and elective courses. Includes suggestions on how to alleviate drawbacks of the 4x1 block schedule. (YDS)

Describes a year-long, high school reading and writing literacy course developed by the National Center on Education and the Economy, designed to be delivered in a 90-minute, double-block period 5 days a week. Identifies several things principals can do to successfully implement the course. (PKP)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages to journalism and student publications of a straight four-block school schedule that has been in place for three years. (SR)

Examines the effects of block scheduling on teacher practice and student achievement. Sought to recognize the professional lives of teachers as a context for both change and stability. Investigates two questions: (1) How does one type of block schedule reform change science classroom practice within specific subjects; and (2) How does this reform…

Discusses problems related to block scheduling and suggests three elements for improvement: appropriate subject material, appropriate teaching styles, and appropriate level of cognitive development. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Efforts to introduce school choice have produced pressures on public schools to improve their performance. As a result, many public schools have embraced the total quality management principle of continuous improvement. In this article we explain that while this may be well intentioned, it may have perverse unintended consequences. A likely…

This review focuses on 128 high schools in Georgia that have completed at least one full year under block scheduling. Information presented includes scores on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests, Scholastic Assessment Test scores, and Advanced Placement examination scores. The review is merely a summary of selected descriptive information,…

After nearly two years' experience with the interdisciplinary studies program, career pathways, and alternating-day 10-block schedule, the Farmington (Missouri) High School faculty is pleased with their progress. Student and teacher surveys indicate an ongoing need for improvements to meet all students' learning needs. This schedule is not for…

A North Carolina study found that first-year teachers moved confidently into block scheduling, rated the block highly, and used 11% more time than experienced teachers to manage classroom discipline problems. Teachers attributed their success to instructional pacing, ability to vary instructional strategies, subject area competency, and…

A Georgia high school got on the block-scheduling bandwagon after discovering that their students were having difficulties meeting new state graduation requirements and wanted more electives. After receiving extensive retraining and working on a block-scheduling plan for graduate credit, teachers successfully made the transition. (MLH)

In 2004, South Charlotte Middle School (SCMS), Charlotte, North Carolina, was named "A School to Watch" by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. One of the program components cited as highly successful by the visiting committee representing the Forum was the provision of an enrichment period called the ninth block. Ninth…

When learning, students yearn for meaning, challenge, and relevance. Integrated learning fulfills these desires by limiting the compartmentalization of learning--providing a more coherent learning environment. Too often, mathematics and the physical sciences are taught as separate entities. Yet, many commonalities exist, especially between…

Three years ago, the staff at Bethel (Connecticut) Middle School made a commitment to establish the school as a professional learning community (PLC). As they delved into the PLC concept, they realized that the first step was to take a close look at how they used time during the school day. Specifically, they needed to determine how to best…

A committee comprised of six veteran teachers, the principal, and one parent initiated East Lyme (Connecticut) High School's search for a workable school schedule. The alternative-day block schedule featured semester and full-year course formats, 85-minute time blocks, a 45-minute lunch/club/activity period, and a closed campus. A survey found…

After two semesters of using the four-block schedule, a Wisconsin high school experienced academic growth, improved grades and discipline, reduced stress, and a more personalized school environment. Interested schools should gain support, create a site-level decision-making model, demonstrate the need for change, clearly define restructuring…