"BLOCK SCHEDULING," DEFINED AS PLACING A GROUP OF STUDENTS IN A COMMON BLOCK OF BASIC COURSES TO SHARE THE SAME DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE, PERMITS INSTRUCTORS TO MEET A MORE COHENSIVE GROUP. IT ALSO SIMPLIFIES REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULING, AS STUDENTS ACCEPT A PREPARED GROUP OF COURSES INSTEAD OF INDIVIDUALLY SELECTED ONES. FOR THE STUDENT, IT MEANS…

Thorough investigation of scheduling options is needed to facilitate the development of a tailor-made schedule for the small school. The traditional scheduling model usually only works well in urban or suburban schools. When this mass production model is imposed on small schools, student needs become secondary to the dictates of the schedule. The…

Explains why block scheduling has become accepted practice at the secondary level and describes potential benefits for middle level schools. Shares common scheduling approaches and discusses their appropriateness for use at the middle level. Presents alternative models that would permit middle school faculties to capitalize on the benefits of…