Staddon and Motheral derived a mathematical model of responding in concurrent variable-interval--variable-interval schedules. Their derivation ignores a fundamental aspect of the concurrent schedule contingency. A reinforcer can occur following two consecutive responses on the same schedule or following a switch between the two schedules.…

Heyman's major criticism (TM 504 810) of Staddon and Motheral's reinforcement maximization model is that it does not consider "local" and "interchangeover" interresponse times separately. We show that this separation may not be necessary. Heyman's apparent gain in comprehensiveness may not be worth the added complexity.…

A case study of the implementation of a computerized decision aid in the Graduate School of Management at UCLA is presented. This decision tool helps determine the annual teaching schedule by assigning faculty to courses and other activities on the basis of their responses to course preference questionnaires. It can also help determine recruitment…

A study examining performance differences on the Ohio Colleges Early Math Placement Test of students receiving algebra and geometry instruction in a traditional, year-long structure versus students in an intensified block structure found the traditional structure more effective. Using block scheduling for all courses and students is unwise. Some…

Of 150 Huntington Beach (California) high school teachers participating in a survey on block scheduling's efficacy, 106 (70%) took time to make written comments. Teachers enjoyed having less up-front lecturing, more one-on-one interactions with students, and a less hectic schedule, but had concerns about interruptions and…

A family-friendly school incorporates many aspects of school reform going on throughout the country. Parents would be allowed choice in selecting the school, the teacher, calendar, and schedule. Normal operation hours for a school could become 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lists 12 sources for additional information. (MLF)

A large Baltimore high school has shown how personalizing relationships and focusing the curriculum can turn around an unsafe school and create a climate conducive to learning. The school adopted the Talent Development model, which created six smaller units or academies. Instead of suspending or transferring ill-behaved students, Patterson…

Discusses current middle school reform efforts and the need to change significantly the structure and practice of middle school education. Examines three practices that hold great promise for meeting the increasingly diverse needs of middle school students (and that boost each others' effectiveness): teacher collaboration, block scheduling, and…

Presents suggestions from elementary school teachers to ease the pullout problem for classroom teachers. The suggestions include: create weekly class calendars, pair students, reschedule pullouts to more convenient times, and prepare a record sheet for information on topics the student misses. (SM)

A study of 296 American Library Association members found that although library media specialists (LMS) support the instructional consultant role as stated in the guidelines of Information Power, they lagged in its practice; and LMSs who used flexible scheduling practiced the instructional consultant role more than LMSs who used fixed scheduling.…

Describes personal experiences at the BioQUEST workshop titled "Approaches to Biology Education: Overcoming Social, Spatial, and Scheduling Constraints in Biology Education Reform." Describes activities and projects done at the workshop and discusses innovative curricula, flow charts, visualization, and case studies. Contains 12 references. (JRH)

The Teaching Allocation and Management Model (TAMM) designed to help university department administrators assign faculty to courses is described, noting its strengths and limitations. The model has been used in business departments, but is seen as adaptable to any discipline. Formulas for budgeting are included in the model. (MSE)

Based on his experience with the Copernican block scheduling plan used in British Columbia secondary schools, a principal identifies administrative challenges (abuse of tutorial time, uneven distribution of teacher-preparation time, teacher fatigue, pedagogical changes, and unrealistic expectations) and suggests ways to address them. Involving…

Describes an urban high school's homeroom classroom calendar that is maintained by students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The calendar is used to record students' schedules, including individualized education program meetings, assemblies, doctor appointments, and other events. It assists students in taking responsibility for their own…

Offers suggestions for developing creative instructional approaches in time-blocked classes. Teachers should continuously engage students in active learning, include group activities to encourage student participation, incorporate activities addressing multiple intelligences, use creative thinking activities, move outside the classroom, employ…