A major organizational change is necessary to promote more equitable and effective instructional grouping schemes in schools. A palatable restructuring alternative that combines effective grouping with the flexibility to meet each school's needs is parallel block scheduling. This system capitalizes on teachers' strengths, promotes greater mixing…

Fifth grade teacher Molly Toussant realized with chagrin that she habitually mouthed her precepts about teaching writing in the same rote way she had recited the Apostles' Creed in Sunday school, and that her students had no idea why they had to write "like every day." So she wrote this explication in which she shows, with many examples, how her…

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…

A general review of the evolution of the use of the computer to construct school timetables (time structures) in Great Britain. (HB)

Shift workers appear to be more satisfied in situations where swiftly rotating shifts have replaced fixed-period rotating shifts. (Author)

In this paper, a heuristic algorithm for constructing school timetables is described. The algorithm is based on an exact method that applies to a family of particular timetable problems. The procedure has been used to construct timetables for Swiss schools having about 50 classes, 80 teachers, and 35 weekly periods. Less than five percent of…

The questionnaire concerning contracted student time given to parents and responses to it are presented. Numbers and percentages responding to each choice are given for each item in the questionnaire. (For related documents, see TM 002 638-39.) (KM)

Five advantages to be gained in teaching typing in a time structure less rigid than the traditional semester are itemized. The implications for typewriting teachers as a more individualized approach is used are considered. (AG)

After investigating alternatives, a Missouri high school adopted the eight-block flexible scheduling model. Instead of meeting 45-60 minutes every day, classes now meet 94 minutes every other day. Staff and students are enthusiastic. Longer instructional periods allow teachers to develop key concepts and use diverse learning activities and permit…

This information brief describes problems involved in scheduling elementary-school specialist teachers and offers suggestions for resolving them. Poor scheduling results in fragmented classes, unequal distribution of instructional time, and lack of common planning time. Poor scheduling is usually due to lack of congruence between school mission…

The bibliography is divided into four sections: computer timetabling of British schools, organization of British schools, related activities, and the foreign experience. (HB)

This booklet presents concepts and applications of effective time management to help administrators learn to utilize their time most effectively, thereby accomplishing their most worthwhile objectives in the shortest amount of time. Although the booklet is designed to be self-administered, the greatest benefits should be derived in a group setting…