In a time of resource challenges, many educators see the cost of expanding learning time as a barrier. However, with at least 1,000 schools across the United States currently expanding learning time, data show that schools can implement the approach cost effectively. Expanded learning time schools manage three levers that both build quality…

This paper posits the position that if higher education and secondary schools wish to increase students' college readiness, specifically in mathematics and critical thinking skills, continuous enrollment in secondary mathematics is one avenue worth exploring as opposed to increasing mathematics graduation requirements only in terms of Carnegie…

Describes the benefits of block scheduling whereby class periods are lengthened and more courses are offered. Notes that increasing numbers of schools are trying them. Includes the most common block schedule formats. (JOW)

Explains how to get prepared, provide ongoing support, and collaborate while adopting block scheduling. (YDS)

The advent of the No Child Left Behind legislation has produced mandates that focus heavily on reading skills. Writing has a secondary role, while speaking and listening skills are almost insignificant in terms of instructional time. NCLB mandates have translated into block scheduling for reading in many schools. This can be very useful when the…

Discusses the implementation of a modified block schedule with three-teacher teams to deepen student engagement and understanding of the curriculum. Considers benefits of the block for students and teachers, and the starting assumptions and goals of the schedule, along with cautions for change. (JPB)

In this article, the authors discuss the advantages of block scheduling and how it can be an effective educational tool when faced with educational challenges. Block schedules can ease the transition from the homelike atmosphere of the elementary school to the departmentalized environment of the high school by reducing the need for constant class…

Without fear, there is no courage, only ignorance of a situation's dynamics. Acknowledging a decision's liabilities promotes fear and forces the educational leader to exercise courage in formulating and carrying out a response to that situation. Courage alone is not enough, however, and could lead to professional suicide. Wisdom to marshal that…

This article describes the challenges faced by a first-year special educator of children with emotional disturbances. In addition to academic diversity and behavioral challenges, there were also issues related to working with a team of special educators and being the newcomer. These issues included instructional time, behavioral management, and…

Describes the process and preparation for making teacher-requested changes at Notre Dame High School (New Jersey). Narrates the planning that went into making the change to block scheduling, which includes an activity period and double-period class schedule, and discusses the impact of that change on in-service preparation for teachers. Concludes…

In this interview, a high school art teacher explains why her initial enthusiasm for block scheduling evaporated. Problems arose with foreign-language instruction, science labs, lesson planning, field trips, space utilization, supplies, and overenrollment in elective subjects like music and art. Teachers had little control or administrative…

Previous research has shown that by varying instructional time, schools can better accommodate students' different rates of learning. One method that schools use to meet this challenge is block scheduling; different models which are described. The focus is on the benefits and disadvantages of various models. One of the benefits is block…

Asserts that longer class periods must be approached and planned in a completely different manner than shorter periods. A 90-minute period requires a higher degree of teacher preparation and a critical focus on objectives and planning. Includes a summary of questions, predictions, and findings from teachers. (MJP)

Identifies and assesses various nontraditional approaches to business education in high school, university, and graduate school. "Block Scheduling: Considerations for Business Education" (Gloria Jean Smith, Douglas C. Smith) describes ways to maximize learning for high school students by restructuring class time. "Distance Learning: Challenges and…