The middle school concept, aimed at creating a more developmentally responsive learning environment for young adolescents, gained a stronghold in the later part of the 20th century. Proponents of this concept have argued continually for the holistic implementation of its six key characteristics if its benefits are to be realized. These…

The impact of class time lengths on student achievement is a complex issue with multiple extraneous factors and without definitive answers. A major theme across many of the studies reviewed is that the amount of instructional time is not so important as how that time is spent. Key points include: (1) The commonly held conception that students in…

Argues that the alleged effectiveness of block scheduling does not appear to rest on any meaningful research base. Discusses research on block scheduling, student achievement and attitudes toward learning, and teachers' and parents' attitudes. Notes that in the absence of data, educators should be cautious in reconfiguring the education of tens of…

This article reviews pertinent research literature that documents the efficacy of alternative scheduling formats in U.S. secondary schools since the late 1990s. Gains attributed to alternative scheduling formats are discussed by subject area. Common educational dilemmas occasioned by a change to alternative school scheduling are outlined and…

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…

Examines some evidence presented for and against block scheduling and makes recommendations based on these observations. Existing empirical evidence is ambivalent regarding academic benefits, particularly for mathematics achievement. Alternative scheduling seems right for some curricular areas and wrong for others. Blocking some classes and not…

In this analysis of 58 empirical studies of high school block scheduling, the authors report findings in and across five groupings. Within groups, data were inconsistent regarding whether teachers' practices changed, but teachers believed that staff development was necessary to teach in a block schedule. Block scheduling appeared to increase…

This booklet examines issues related to time in education. After describing the increasing number of roles teachers play in their schools and their lack of time to do everything, the booklet explains that in order to achieve improved student outcomes, teachers need time to do their work. Teaching requires time for professional development,…

Describes 4 X 4 block scheduling and its advantages and disadvantages. Examines block scheduling's effects on a Virginia high school's students, teachers, and administration, based on school data and survey results. Most participants preferred block scheduling over the six-period schedule. Grades, attendance, and discipline improved; students…

This article discusses the purpose of block scheduling, types of block scheduling (alternate day, accelerated block scheduling, and the Copernican Plan), and how many facets of block scheduling can enhance gifted and talented learner experiences. The need for teacher training to meet the needs of gifted learners is emphasized. (Contains…

This report examines both the educational and political dimensions of time reform. It presents the findings of a wide range of research on time reform, discusses the impact of various time reforms on the life of schools and beyond, and makes recommendations for policymakers about how to best leverage time in and out of school to improve student…

This book provides information for educators considering ways to make the best use of time available for learning. Twenty-one articles are divided into 5 chapters. Chapter 1: "How Can We Make the Most of the School Day?" includes an overview and 6 articles: (1) "Block Scheduling" (Karen Irmsher); (2)"The Hybrid Schedule: Scheduling to the…

Block Scheduling has been considered a cure for a lengthy list of educational problems. This report reviews the literature on block schedules and describes some Oregon high schools that have integrated block scheduling. Major disadvantages included resistance to change and requirements that teachers change their teaching strategies. There is…

This paper reviews the literature on 4x4 block scheduling. Studies reveal that the advantages of such scheduling are simplicity, potential for greater student achievement, and reduced disciplinary referrals. Discipline is enhanced through this type of schedule because it decreases the number of times that students are moving in the halls between…

The advantages and disadvantages of block scheduling are considered in 24 articles. The editors provide an overview for each section and a conclusion for the anthology. The first section includes articles which examine issues, concepts, and cases: (1) "All around the Block" (Michael D. Rettig and Robert Lynn Canady); (2) "Block Scheduling: A Means…