Research was conducted to determine what impact school organization and classroom dynamics had on student achievement. Results from standardized benchmark tests found no significant differences in scores across all schools and content areas; yet, end of course standardized measures indicated that students in sites employing block scheduling…

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)

In this paper, educators in a suburban middle school promote the positive educational outcomes from an alternating-day block schedule at their middle school. Comparisons are cited in student achievement and school climate indicators between the block schedule and the eight-period day with shorter classes. The paper cites several advantages of the…

Children need privacy for learning autonomy, negotiation of space, creation, observation, and self-evaluation. Children achieve privacy by territoriality, verbal and nonverbal behavior, aggression, and withdrawal. Adults can help children meet privacy needs by providing a manipulable environment and schedule that balance solitude and interaction…

Presents suggestions for creating a classroom environment where young children's thinking and reasoning processes are supported. Discusses organizing time blocks for predictability and flexibility and organizing the physical space, including providing access to work spaces and access to materials. (KB)

This document updates "Accommodations: Assisting Students with Disabilities. A Guide for Educators," published by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) in 2003. This document is written to assist school district personnel and parents when making decisions about the use of accommodations by students with disabilities in instructional…

This paper discusses the challenges and difficulties of adopting new "authentic" methods of instruction that help students not only learn but also develop habits that enable them to use their knowledge more effectively. "Authentic" methods of instruction are defined as those that require students to produce (not just reproduce) knowledge relevant…

Despite increased interest in and acceptance of the concept and mandate of providing adaptive instruction to ensure schooling success for each student, a sizable gap exists between identification of specific educational practices and application of such practices in schools. The work described in this paper is aimed at examining the feasibility…

Explores the impact on children's activities and staff behavior of removing clocks and watches from an early childhood classroom. Describes how removing old patterns of time organization required teacher reflection about taken-for-granted scripts for time and permitted them to invent new scripts that were more supportive of developmentally…

This issue of the Australian Early Childhood Association Research in Practice Series focuses on creating aesthetically pleasing environments in early childhood care and education settings. The booklet details characteristics of aesthetically pleasing environments and discusses how early childhood practitioners' reflection upon the school or center…

According to this publication, a school's most effective tool in encouraging student success may be its control over the time the student spends working on goal-oriented learning activities--that is, time on task. This document is intended to help school administrators understand the effects of their decisions on students' learning time and…

Examines the implementation of an alternating day schedule in middle school. It is suggested that block scheduling provides an effective instructional alternative to the traditional six- or seven-period format, creating a relaxed atmosphere while decreasing stress and improving attitudes of both students and teachers. Blocks provide a gradual…

A study investigated students' classroom interaction in 16 courses at a small extension campus of Indiana University Purdue University Columbus. Results indicate attendance patterns, student age, week in the semester, course level, and time of day were significant predictors of student interaction level. Impact of gender and instructor gender was…

This manual describes different types of accommodations educators can use to include students with disabilities in general education classrooms, including accommodations relating to instructional methods and materials, assignments and classroom assessments, time demands and scheduling, learning environment, and use of special communication…

The authors describe a zone defense schedule (ZDS), a system for organizing the staff and environment of a preschool classroom. Specifically, it is used to organize the roles of adults in the classroom so that transitions between activities are easier for children and provides greater opportunity for teaching (both during the transition and…