Discusses the advantages and disadvantages to journalism and student publications of a straight four-block school schedule that has been in place for three years. (SR)

Describes how one teacher of photography has adapted to the 90-minute lessons of her Missouri high school's block scheduling. Focuses on dividing up lecture time, separating the class into groups, and making each student responsible for his/her performance in the class. (SR)

Comparison of 184 animal science students in modified alternating day block schedule with 136 in 9-week accelerated block schedule showed that higher-order thinking skills achievement was less than half of the passing standard. Higher- and lower-order skills performance of modified schedule students was superior, which may be explained by teacher…

Examines the effects of block scheduling on teacher practice and student achievement. Sought to recognize the professional lives of teachers as a context for both change and stability. Investigates two questions: (1) How does one type of block schedule reform change science classroom practice within specific subjects; and (2) How does this reform…

Discusses problems related to block scheduling and suggests three elements for improvement: appropriate subject material, appropriate teaching styles, and appropriate level of cognitive development. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

This book is an incredibly valuable resource to anyone involved in building a master schedule. The author provides a comprehensive description of the processes involved and makes the reader aware of what needs to be considered and done throughout the process. One of the most time-consuming tasks for school leaders is creating a master schedule…

This review focuses on 128 high schools in Georgia that have completed at least one full year under block scheduling. Information presented includes scores on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests, Scholastic Assessment Test scores, and Advanced Placement examination scores. The review is merely a summary of selected descriptive information,…

This study was a followup to previous block scheduling studies done at a small city school system in southwestern Ohio. It explored student perceptions of, and attitudes about, block scheduling after the fourth year of implementation. Two surveys were developed. The Phase One survey was a questionnaire designed to collect data that could be…

High school block scheduling is in its earliest stages. Although time structures have changed, usage has not. Block schedules are threatened when curriculum standards and student mobility are ignored, courses are improperly sequenced, funding for increased personnel needs is inadequate, performing-arts instruction is not accommodated, and…

Time blocks' learning value can be increased markedly by helping staff develop brain-compatible teaching strategies. Teachers should establish relevance; hook students with short video sequences, dramatic skits, and simulations; schedule at least two learning activities per session; and capitalize on pulsed learning sequences, cooperative teaming,…

Combining the Copernican Plan (a block-schedule variation) and year-round schooling may make both proposals more palatable to the general public. Since the plan leaves facilities, teacher contracts, and current budgets virtually unchanged, serious public resistance is unlikely. Principals should first introduce Copernican scheduling and then use…

After nearly two years' experience with the interdisciplinary studies program, career pathways, and alternating-day 10-block schedule, the Farmington (Missouri) High School faculty is pleased with their progress. Student and teacher surveys indicate an ongoing need for improvements to meet all students' learning needs. This schedule is not for…

A Missouri study of 669 business education teachers (50% response) and a North Carolina study of 82 (59% response) found that block scheduling is viewed positively by most teachers, but it requires changes in planning and use of a wider variety of teaching techniques. (SK)

Explains how to get prepared, provide ongoing support, and collaborate while adopting block scheduling. (YDS)

To address the nations' ongoing interest in student achievement, some researchers have focused on the effect of block scheduling--a model in which students take fewer classes for longer periods of time. Although block scheduling has demonstrated its viability in high schools, little research has explored its effect at the middle level. Because the…