Describes the use of parallel block scheduling (PBS) in inclusive classrooms as a flexible method of scheduling that addresses student grouping; time for teacher planning; and scheduling of subjects, support services, and staff. The characteristics of PBS and an elementary school that uses the system are highlighted. (Author/CR)

Discusses why students who play musical instruments should participate in a chamber music ensemble. Provides rationale for using small ensembles in the high school band curriculum. Focuses on the topic of scheduling, illustrating how to insert small ensembles into the lesson schedule, and how to set up a new schedule. (CMK)

Describes a survey that was conducted to understand the scope of timetabling in Hong Kong secondary schools. The use of computers for timetabling is explored, and it is concluded that further research on appropriate software to automate timetabling is needed. (LRW)

Describes innovative methods of learning that sometimes bring a new set of problems to deal with. Describes how faculty compromise to facilitate the best education methods possible. (JOW)

Examines effects of academic year division on junior high school student satisfaction. Reports no relationship between semester organization and student satisfaction or achievement, although students report dissatisfaction with the length of certain classes. Advanced English students were more satisfied with semester courses than general English…

Proposed National Collegiate Athletic Association rule changes address issues of academic standards, financial aid, program administration, association administration, championships and extra events, athlete eligibility, association membership and institutional classification, playing seasons, and aspects of program deregulation. (MSE)

To shed light on appropriate grouping practices for early adolescents, this article presents current data on using between-class grouping and regrouping in American schools serving this population, based on the 1988 Johns Hopkins University middle school survey. Findings show that learning opportunities in the middle grades remain highly…

A national survey of colleges and universities gathered information on variation in academic calendars across schools and over time; how many days, weeks, or minutes are considered necessary for a semester or a unit of academic credit; and who sets those standards. Results suggest little standardization and a shrinking semester. (MSE)

Discusses ways to provide good computer laboratory facilities for elementary and secondary schools. Topics discussed include establishing the computer lab and selecting hardware; types of software; physical layout of the room; printers; networking possibilities; considerations relating to the physical environment; and scheduling methods. (LRW)

Some school districts have found that maintenance and custodial services can be contracted out with cost-saving results. Contains specific questions to ask potential contractors in order to evaluate contracting for maintenance and custodial services. (MLF)

The University of Miami's campus design competition is described, selected comments from the jury's deliberation and oral report are presented, and the entries of the 5 grand prize winners, 10 honorable mention winners, and additional entries are reproduced. (MSE)

Presents a model that can accommodate staff preferences when determining a reference desk schedule using a microcomputer, the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, and the linear programing software LP83. (eight references) (MES)

Effect of administrative rules concerning scheduling on college faculty's productivity is examined. Three potential effects are that rules interact with other rules to produce rigidity; scheduling changes cause greater disruption as rules and rigidity increase; and at some point, rules prohibit creation of a workable schedule for teaching facility…

A Texas elementary school is testing Edison's claim that a private company can manage a public school better and more profitably than a public school district working alone. Educators and parents already see improvements, but overenrollment has caused class size, scheduling, and computer shortage problems. Competition and payment problems could…

Gives examples of schools altering traditional school schedules and teacher contracts to find more time for teachers and administrators to meet, discuss, and develop ideas and practices that will make school reform succeed. (MLF)