Using time to enable success in teaching and learning is a critical part of every school's, district's and state's journey to success. It seems that there is never enough time in schools, and leaders struggle to make the most of what they have. How best to use this precious resource is a critical question. While time in isolation from other…

This qualitative study examined the amount of time that fourth and fifth grade teachers devoted to literacy instruction within the time allotted to them within the daily literacy block. Prior research of the literacy block focused largely on primary grades (Allington, McGill-Franzen et a1.,2010; Cunningham & Allington, 2003; Morrow, 1992);…

Adults often find themselves transitioning from one activity to another in a short time span. Most of the time, they do not feel they have a lot of control over their schedules, but wish that they could carve out extended time to relax and focus on one project. Picture a group of children in the block area who have spent 15 or 20 minutes building…

Studies have shown that the amount of time students spend engaged in learning tasks is related to learning outcomes. However, schools often offer to the students only a fraction of the time that governments pay for, and schools in lower-income areas often offer less time than governments plan for students. Instructional time ought to be an…

Describes how one new high school principal changed the school's traditional scheduling plan. Teachers liked the change and used scheduling as a tool for accomplishing various instructional goals as they emerged. Students noted potential pitfalls of changing schedules. The paper discusses how to accomplish successful schedule change. (SM)

Defines "time on task;" highlights aspects that contribute to engaging activities for learning. Discusses time needed for and time spent on learning; factors that influence quality of instruction; capabilities of teachers that influence the efficient use of time; several ways in which timing is critical for effective instruction; and convincing…

Selected findings are presented from a qualitative, observational study of the relationship between a choice time event and literacy learning in an urban public school's kindergarten in California. The complicated interplay between the overall structure of an event and the small ways one teacher daily framed and guided children's participation in…

In November 1994, the U.S. Department of Education invited a group of exceptional public and private school teachers (n=114) to Washington, D.C., to hear their thoughts and to explore ways in which the federal government can work with educators to achieve the National Education Goals. The teachers centered on two dimensions of the time challenge:…

Three case studies explore the organization of time and its intersection with practical knowledge to influence teachers' use of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in early childhood settings. If time is viewed as a rigid production schedule, opportunities for DAP are obstructed and time pressure undercuts children's play, resulting in a…

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)

This study examines three aspects of educational time: (1) quantity of time in school; (2) quality of time in school; and (3) students' uses of out-of-school time. The study identified two types of strategies that altered school uses of time--multiage groupings, and flexible school schedules. It concludes that the decision to increase the quantity…

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…

This report describes the research design of a study that identified and evaluated a collection of reforms designed to enhance learning by altering the amount of and/or the quality of time devoted to learning. The study focused on the quantity and quality of time that teachers and students spent in school and, to a lesser extent, students'…

A central theme in the history of American education in the 20th century is the expansion of formal schooling for more children. This literature review surveys the research on the educational uses of time, with a focus on the quantity and quality of time that teachers and students spent in school and, to a lesser extent, students' out-of-school…