Discusses rescheduling and restructuring underway in secondary schools across the United States. Discusses five different approaches to alternative scheduling, focusing on two different types of the block schedule--a four-block or an eight-block style. Focuses on the effect of each on journalism classes. Discusses accommodations that need to be…

Describes the major changes brought about in journalism classes at a Texas high school in its third year of block scheduling. Notes that enrollment has increased and that the publications staff has the time necessary to actually complete assignments during the class period. (SR)

Describes a New Mexico high school's method of handling advanced-placement courses in a 2X4 block schedule that raises passing rates, compensates for loss of contact time, and gives most students opportunities to take desired AP courses. AP electives demand prerequisites and are scheduled only during spring semester. (MLH)

This paper describes the implementation and administration of a year-round school program in Buena Vista, Virginia, high schools. The program began in the 1973-74 school year as a practical way to meet the educational needs of children in a changing society. After examining three extended-school-year plans, the school board chose a quarter system…

Distressed by their students' reading failure rate, teachers at two Georgia schools developed a parallel block-scheduling plan that allows for whole-class instruction, direct-instruction miniclasses, and enrichment labs for all students. Success depends on matching creative, resourceful teachers to the enrichment lab positions. Over the past two…

Research indicates that despite controversies, teachers involved in block scheduling like it. This paper presents two educators' views on and experiences with block scheduling. One suggests that teaching and learning on the block can be more relaxed. The other notes that adopting the philosophy that less is more (fewer classes meeting longer…

Through discussions with faculty and continuing research, staff at a small Indiana high school developed a five-period schedule embedded in a trimester format. This plan enables students to earn 60 or more credits during their high school years, with fewer classes but longer class periods. Trimesters have increased learning opportunities. (MLH)

Offers a brief overview of the process undertaken by one school district in Missouri to explore and then implement a schedule change (in particular a block program)--a process involving parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, and students. (SR)

Discusses five types of flexible block schedules used in a team-taught middle school classroom. Briefly describes the transition from traditional scheduling to block scheduling. (JPB)

In Boone, North Carolina, Watauga High School has developed an alternative schedule that blends traditional and block schedules. This composite schedule originated in the late 1990s when their faculty members and administrators were struggling to determine if the school should change to a full block schedule. The board of education encouraged…

Describes staff development components for veteran and beginning teachers planning to teach in blocked classes. Teachers need training and practice in information-sharing methods, learning-theory applications, assessment strategies, student mastery, curriculum mapping and integration, classroom organization, and lesson development. Block…

Argues that a unique combination of (1) the Copernican Plan for block scheduling; (2) the application of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences; and (3) John Dewey's basic ideas about process create a teacher training program in which mastery is an achievable goal. Describes each component and illustrates how each has worked in one…

Shares information on current scheduling trends within Iowa and explains why some schools have adopted a more cautious schedule-modification posture. In Iowa, there is strong support for cocurricular activities, including music and art, and faculty resistance, based on instructional issues. Test scores are high with a traditional schedule. (13…

Describes the changes that came to one high school journalism program when the school embarked on a four-block scheduling program. Describes losses and gains over a three-year period. Concludes that, in addition to significant community service benefits, there is now more depth in learning and more pride in completed work, with students taking…

Compares achievement of students attending a large Florida high school under a traditional schedule during 1993-94 and a trimester block schedule during the following year. Passing grades have gone up 3.7%. Regarding Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Testing results, there was no significant difference. Teachers, students, parents, and…