Despite the popularity of schedule modifications as a cost-effective reform to improve student outcomes, little empirical research on the consequences of alternative schedules has been conducted. The literature has been dominated by anecdotal reports. Even when empirical evidence is examined, causal comparisons of school outcomes between schedules…

Developing a block schedule and surviving its first year of implementation require an open mind, a flexible spirit, and commitment. Discusses the basics of block scheduling; curricular alignment, course development, and unit design; pacing guides for time management; instruction strategies and lesson designs; classroom management; advanced…

Describes the benefits of block scheduling whereby class periods are lengthened and more courses are offered. Notes that increasing numbers of schools are trying them. Includes the most common block schedule formats. (JOW)

Compares the effects of traditional and block schedules on the academic achievement of high school students with and without disabilities. Finds no difference in academic achievement for either students with or those without disabilities whether enrolled in highs schools with traditional scheduling or those with block scheduling. (Contains 3…

Four-year longitudinal study prepared for board of education evaluates the influence of block scheduling on high school academic achievement in a small, midwestern city. Finds evidence of positive relationship between block scheduling and improved achievement in academic subject areas. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Argues that the alleged effectiveness of block scheduling does not appear to rest on any meaningful research base. Discusses research on block scheduling, student achievement and attitudes toward learning, and teachers' and parents' attitudes. Notes that in the absence of data, educators should be cautious in reconfiguring the education of tens of…

Flexible modular scheduling (flex mod)--a schedule philosophy and system that has been in place at Wausau West High School in Wausau, Wisconsin, for the last 35 years and aligns nicely with current research on student learning--is getting more and more attention from high school administrators across the country. Flexible modular scheduling was…

Regardless of where they live, incoming freshmen face the same problems nationwide, such as anxiety about entering a new school, social pressure, and increased academic pressure and responsibility. Freshman academies have been introduced in many larger schools to offset these issues. A typical freshman academy isolates freshmen from the rest of…

The discussion that transpired in Fremont, Nebraska, over one academic year depicted faculty's struggles and growth as they wrestled with their school's significant change to block scheduling. Conversations demonstrate a staff moving from block-implementation stresses in the first quarter to a focus on teaching and learning in the fourth quarter.…

Introduces a 4x1 block scheduling method that was developed as an alternative to 4x4 block scheduling. Schedules Fridays for summer school, test preparation, and enrichment and elective courses. Includes suggestions on how to alleviate drawbacks of the 4x1 block schedule. (YDS)

Documents Virginia's history of adoption and implementation of block scheduling, highlights common forms of block scheduling, and describes mistakes that caused schools to abandon block scheduling. Describes three key variables (time, teachers, and students) in the use of block scheduling to improve student achievement. (PKP)

Describes a year-long, high school reading and writing literacy course developed by the National Center on Education and the Economy, designed to be delivered in a 90-minute, double-block period 5 days a week. Identifies several things principals can do to successfully implement the course. (PKP)

Efforts to introduce school choice have produced pressures on public schools to improve their performance. As a result, many public schools have embraced the total quality management principle of continuous improvement. In this article we explain that while this may be well intentioned, it may have perverse unintended consequences. A likely…

This study examines the relationships between classroom environment and affective learning outcomes over time. Focus is placed on the investigation of the correlation between environmental variables and attitude toward science, and the change in attitude toward science and other classroom environment attitudes by students enrolled in block…

Discusses the four-block format of block scheduling (being considered or implemented by many high schools), noting its advantages and disadvantages, mixed responses to it, and how it might affect school publications and the teaching of journalism. (SR)