In this paper, a heuristic algorithm for constructing school timetables is described. The algorithm is based on an exact method that applies to a family of particular timetable problems. The procedure has been used to construct timetables for Swiss schools having about 50 classes, 80 teachers, and 35 weekly periods. Less than five percent of…

Variable Modular Scheduling Via Computer, a scheduling program which focuses on allocating a school's resources according to the school's overall purposes, is designed to allow schools to adapt organizational patterns to whatever teaching and learning patterns they define as necessary in meeting their educational goals. The system's rationale,…

The manual was prepared to provide administrators of small schools with information on techniques which promote flexibility in school scheduling. While no attempt was made to provide details for implementation of flexible scheduling, the information provided should be sufficient to enable the administrator (1) to determine if some variation of…

NEW TECHNIQUES IN SCHEDULING PERMIT MORE EFFICIENT USE OF TIME FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN PROGRAMING, AND PROVIDES A SEEDBED FOR INNOVATION. THE STANFORD SCHOOL SCHEDULING SYSTEM (S-4) IS A SET OF PROGRAMS THAT AUTOMATES THE SCHEDULING PROCESS. THE FIRST OF THE FOUR PROGRAMS, CTTA, (CARD TO TAPE AND AUDIT), DIRECTS THE…

This document shows how computer technology can aid educators in meeting demands for improved class scheduling and more efficient use of transportation resources. The first section surveys literature on operational systems that provide individualized scheduling for students, varied class structures, and maximum use of space and staff skills.…

The present study devised a computerized assignment-by-preference algorithm for a ninth-grade exploratory curriculum. The problem addressed was one of maximally mapping all students into 8 of 12 vocational programs in terms of their preferences for studying each of the programs and the assignment restrictions established by the school. To minimize…

In 1965, a 3-year developmental program was begun to determine the desirability of modular scheduling for comprehensive and vocational schools and to investigate the impact of such scheduling on 18 secondary schools. During this time more than 15,000,000 data were provided by the schools. The Stanford School Scheduling System, a computer program…

New instructional time blocks and curriculum designs are suggested as alternatives to traditional school schedules with their fixed time periods for traditional course offerings. The rational for variable modular scheduling and the application of computer technology to school scheduling are presented. Applications of variable modular scheduling…