Reviews research on block scheduling and concludes that despite implementation problems and criticism, it has become an important tool in efforts to improve school climate and student achievement. (Contains 17 references.) (PKP)

Documents Virginia's history of adoption and implementation of block scheduling, highlights common forms of block scheduling, and describes mistakes that caused schools to abandon block scheduling. Describes three key variables (time, teachers, and students) in the use of block scheduling to improve student achievement. (PKP)

Research reveals important generalizations about block scheduling. A/B schedules are easier to implement than 4/4 schedules, which must be adapted to allow some year-long courses. Merely changing the school bell schedule will not guarantee better student performance. However, block scheduling typically improves climate, attendance, and…

To allow variable amounts of time for students to complete Algebra I, a gateway course, schools must address four issues: curriculum, instructional methods, assessment, and scheduling. The Algebra I curriculum should be divided into four parts; assessments should be designed to measure students' mastery of each part. Also, a two-period block of…

Block schedules offer many advantages, including increased usable instructional time, increased opportunities to use alternative instructional strategies, and fewer homework assignments and class changes for students. Challenges include maintaining student attention, providing balanced schedules, retaining major concepts, and accommodating…

Discusses the transition from traditional teaching and scheduling to a comprehensive block schedule with team teaching at the middle school level. Describes the process of educational change, including framing the problem, establishing consensus for change, creating pure teams, designing the master schedule; also discusses implementation issues.…

Today's elementary principals must address three major issues related to scheduling: providing quality time for teaching and learning; dealing with class size; and varying learning time for students who learn at different rates. Parallel block scheduling offers a flexible, cost-effective strategy for achieving these ends. (MLH)

Describes various forms of block scheduling at the high school level and offers guidelines for scheduling special-education courses. Stresses the importance of special and regular teacher communication and collaboration, the use of different instructional strategies during the longer blocks, and positive effects of block scheduling on student…