Although many high schools are switching from a semester to a trimester schedule as a response to increased high-school graduation requirements, there is very little empirical research on trimesters. In this ethnographic case study (2006-2009), we observed 22 math and science classrooms, interviewed seven administrators, two counselors and 22…

Four-year longitudinal study prepared for board of education evaluates the influence of block scheduling on high school academic achievement in a small, midwestern city. Finds evidence of positive relationship between block scheduling and improved achievement in academic subject areas. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Compares the final-exam scores in honors physics at a South Florida high school during 3 consecutive 4-year periods from 1991-2002. Finds that class mean exam scores decreased when the school switched from 7-period day to 4 by 4 block (4 92-minute periods per day), but increased when the block schedule was enhanced with web-assisted instruction.…

Surveyed for their perceptions, students attending four Alabama block-scheduled high schools identified block scheduling as more effective than traditional scheduling. Perceptions are unrelated to years of student experience. Teachers use more diverse strategies; students earn more graduation credits; instructional climate is improved; and making…

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…

Compares teacher and student perceptions about a block scheduling system operating in two rural Alabama high schools since 1995 to 1996. Surveys completed by 481 students and 60 teachers indicated that both groups supported the new schedule. However, teachers' attitudes were more positive than their students'. Fully 58% of the students wanted…

Summarizes results of a nationwide survey to determine secondary principals' attitudes toward selected aspects of block scheduling. All 69 participants (from 10 states) expressed full support for block scheduling. Many principals expressed concerns about student maturity, sequential course offerings, and time spent on homework. Schedule…

Describes an empirical research study conducted at one midwestern high school using a trischedule (block, traditional, and hybrid) format. Survey data revealed that the hybrid schedule appeared to benefit most students, though it increased teachers' anxiety. The block component improved students' GPA, attendance, and attitudes about school. (14…

To garner student perceptions, a questionnaire listing questions for math, science, and foreign language was sent to the 1997, 1996, and 1995 graduates of two Pennsylvania high schools that had implemented the 4X4 semester-block-scheduling model. Overall, students felt their block-scheduled high school prepared them adequately for college. (MLH)

This case study reflects block scheduling's effects on advanced-placement mathematics courses of one veteran teacher tracking personal progress since 1989. Block scheduling began in 1994, creating problems for the teacher, whose resistance to the reform was based on declining advanced-placement scores. Teacher attitude and insufficient…