Describes strategies used by one middle school to successfully challenge gifted students in the context of the regular classroom, satisfy their parents, and preserve the best of the middle school concept for all students. Strategies include block scheduling, regular schoolwide recognition programs, a school climate characterized by academic rigor…

Discusses how to implement block scheduling in secondary schools. Topics include restructuring time; leadership as the key to successful change; the concept of Total Quality; human resources; the necessity of the change process; how to effect change; and the value of school restructuring. (LRW)

A study of 270 sophomores taught in either a block scheduling or traditional scheduling format showed significant results for English and biology. Block schedules significantly predicted pretest to posttest differences in Educational Testing Service subject scores over and above those of students following traditional schedules. (Contains 16…

Describes the pitfalls of block scheduling and outlines questions to consider before implementing a block plan. (LMI)

Distressed at student disregard of clearly communicated rules and regulations, a Huntington Beach (California) high school principal realized the delivery system was not personalized enough. Having administrators visit each English class to explain reasons behind the rules improved the situation. Also, a new block schedule improved teacher-student…

Summarizes results of a nationwide survey to determine secondary principals' attitudes toward selected aspects of block scheduling. All 69 participants (from 10 states) expressed full support for block scheduling. Many principals expressed concerns about student maturity, sequential course offerings, and time spent on homework. Schedule…

This article discusses the purpose of block scheduling, types of block scheduling (alternate day, accelerated block scheduling, and the Copernican Plan), and how many facets of block scheduling can enhance gifted and talented learner experiences. The need for teacher training to meet the needs of gifted learners is emphasized. (Contains…

Describes a type of block scheduling for middle schools that combines heterogeneous grouping in all subjects within the block and ability grouping. Presents a method of compiling data for block schedules to assist planning. (JPB)

Questions whether more student-centered instruction is occurring in block scheduled biology classes than in traditional classrooms. Explains the results of the study in terms of academic achievement. First published in 1998. (YDS)

This study examines the effects of block scheduling on secondary school library media centers across the state of Arkansas. Specifically, this study addresses the impact that block scheduling has on the school library media center in the areas of time, resources, and productivity for both students and library media staff. This study is needed…

Although block scheduling has become increasingly popular in the past decade, only a few researchers have investigated its effect on academic achievement. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effects of block scheduling on academic achievement between 115 high school students who received instruction via a 4x4 block schedule and…

In this analysis of 58 empirical studies of high school block scheduling, the authors report findings in and across five groupings. Within groups, data were inconsistent regarding whether teachers' practices changed, but teachers believed that staff development was necessary to teach in a block schedule. Block scheduling appeared to increase…

During the past 4 years block scheduling has been adopted by a majority of the high schools in Middle Tennessee. This paper presents findings of a study that explored the effects of the new schedule. Data were gathered from a questionnaire that was completed by 280 teachers and approximately 2,000 students from 6 high schools in the region. Both…

This booklet provides information about block scheduling--its advantages and drawbacks. Schools can use it as a discussion tool to improve their use of time by reformulating student and teacher schedules. The booklet can help educators choose a block scheduling program that will suit their school. The booklet explains the purpose of block…

This study compared the performance of two groups of preservice teachers at Kentucky's Morehead State University. One group had taken four of their methods courses (reading, language arts, social studies, and mathematics) in an integrated fashion from four faculty members. This group was termed the block group. The other group (the nonblock group)…