This study uses a newly compiled data set of instructional time and student performance by subject across German federal states for student cohorts enrolled at the primary level in the 1990s and tested at the secondary level in the 2000s. It finds evidence for the school inputs-student achievement relationship, taking nonlinearity,…

This paper is based on action research to help support an initiative in a NJ suburban high school of about 600 students aiming to improve student achievement. The main problem addressed is a recent trend of low test scores. Rather than look at socio- economic factors, school leaders as well as leaders at the district level are concerned that the…

Allocated classroom time is not the same as time available for learning--a host of economic and social stressors undermine learning time in schools serving low-income students. When time is limited, it is hard to meet rigorous learning standards. The challenge is compounded in high-poverty schools where community stressors place additional demands…

This case study documents a university and secondary school partnership designed to improve classroom management and student time on task at an urban charter high school. The initiative utilized the expertise and knowledge of college of education faculty to identify and ameliorate the high school's observed barriers to students' time on task, and…

California high school teachers are constantly racing against the clock. They are expected to provide a strong college preparatory curriculum, promote critical and creative thinking, and meet students' social and emotional needs. Learning time is an essential resource for addressing all of these goals. But, it seems to be in short supply in many…

This report draws on a statewide survey to examine how learning time is distributed across California high schools. The survey, conducted by UCLA IDEA during the 2013-2014 school year, included a representative sample of nearly 800 teachers. Survey findings highlight inequalities in the amount of time available for learning across low and high…

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity (PA) outcomes in a sample of high school (HS) physical education (PE) lessons from schools that adopted "traditional" versus "modified block" schedule formats. Methods: We used the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) to conduct observations…

It is common to see students multitasking or switching between different tasks on the computer while also listening to the teacher lecture in the front of a classroom. In today's classrooms, students have much greater control over how they use their time, with the classroom integration of computers and mobile devices combined with social media and…

The purpose of this mixed-methods explanatory case study was to determine the impact of a reduced school calendar on student achievement for students in grades 9 through 12 in two rural school districts in Virginia and to explore meanings associated with this change. The study focused on two research questions: how does student performance during…

Through focused observations of teaching practices in 15 classrooms representing 2,475 minutes, a number of instructional patterns were revealed. The majority of time students spend in high school requires that they listen or wait. Students are engaged in authentic reading, writing, and peer work for only a small fraction of the day. If high…