2016 – 2017 Bell Schedule Recommendation Committee Members: Gloria Tanner, Jessica Tran, Jennifer Coleman, David Alger, Maria Burgess, Caroline Epp, Kristi Umile, Joe Janack, Jim Umile, Maggie Sears, Tricia Puglisi

Course Selection - Electives Course selection takes place following February vacation Elective program has expanded!

The Process Define objectives for new schedule Consider needs and wants for the new schedule Research best practices Site visit to discuss schedules with teachers and students Develop potential schedules Review pros and cons of each schedule option T

Define Objectives for New Schedule Develop a schedule focused on reduction of student/teacher stress during the school day Develop a schedule that will allow for the optimization of instructional strategies in the classroom T

Consider Wants and Needs Must have: One shared block with middle school for band and chorus 30 minute lunch Minimum prep time of 296 minutes 1 block dedicated to grade 12 English J

Consider Wants and Needs Brainstorm of wants: Longer blocks for labs and student centered learning Rotation – Student Voice Heard!!!! Teachers having no more than three classes in a row Split lunch from MS J

The Research Block scheduling is shown to reduce student anxiety Block scheduling leads to less homework and fewer assessments per day Studies show that increase time in a class leads to increased scores Key to the block is student engagement --- engaged time is more significant than allocated time Depth over breadth M

Site Visits & Shadow Days Shadow Days – What we learned There were many transitions during the day The hallways and cafeteria were crowded Those that took part Mary Buckley Harmon Amanda Warren Jessica Tran Gloria Tanner J

Site Visits and Shadow Days Visit to North Reading High School Second year assistant principal stated it is the best schedule he has ever worked with Students love the schedule and appreciate power block Teachers love the schedule and appreciate power block Kids did not appear stressed The schedule has stood the test of time T

Recommendation Green & White Days/Enroll in Eight Classes/Four Class Meet Per Day Class Length is 74 Minutes Includes Power Block Green White 74 MINUTES 7:45 - 8:59 A E 9:03 - 10:17 B F 10:21 - 11:35 C G 30 MINUTES 11:39 - 12:09 LUNCH 1 47 MINUTES 12:09 - 12:56 PB 1 PB 2 LUNCH 2 75 Minutes 1:00 - 12:15 D H J

Power Block An opportunity for all students to have a study during the school day 30 MINUTES 11:57 - 12:27 L 1 L 49 MINUTES 12:27 - 1:15 PB 2 PB 11:57 - 12:45 12:45 - 1:15 J

Reason for Selection This schedule meets the two beginning objectives: Reduce student stress Optimize time for student centered instruction strategies Power Block meets several needs Separate lunch from MS Time for Band and Chorus (they will have a separate PB) Time for student homework and extra help Works for part time staff Increases prep time Teachers will teach only three in a row T

Things We Will Need to Consider Need Agreement with META – Contract Issue Need Professional Development – Teaching in Long Block Need structure to the Power Block Need common understanding of elective expectations Need common understanding about the assignment of homework (giving two nights worth at one time is unacceptable) Band/Chorus opportunity for “powerblock”

Things We Will Need to Consider Opportunities Senior privilege – seniors enroll in seven classes. Come in late/go home earlier; seniors can use unscheduled time to meet with guidance, complete college applications, complete SCORE assignments Opportunity to re-think how we do things and try new things Interdisciplinary courses in the future Diploma options in the future And more topics as they arise!

Implementation Plan Two Year Implementation Year 1 – Implement Power Block and 7 block schedule Year 2 – Implement A/B schedule Course selection – February and March Students will choose 8 courses as part of this process Build Schedule Schedule will be built two ways A/B Schedule to test needs Option 2 Schedule for use next year

Implementation Plan Professional Development Train the trainer model implemented with Department Heads this year Continue through 2017 school year Structure of Power Block Developed Guidelines for Electives to be developed

First Year Of Implementation 7 Days/Enroll in 7 Classes/5 Classes Meet Per Day Four classes are 59 minutes and one class is 54 minutes Includes Power Block 59 MINUTES 7:45 - 8:44 A F D B G E C 8:48 - 9:47 9:51 - 10:50 10:54 - 11:53 30 MINUTES 11:57 - 12:27 L 1 L 49 MINUTES 12:27 - 1:15 PB 2 PB 11:57 - 12:45 12:45 - 1:15 54 MINUTES 1:19 - 2:15   DROP

2nd Year of Implementation Green & White Days/Enroll in Eight Classes/Four Class Meet Per Day Class Length is 74 Minutes Includes Power Block & Full Rotation Green White 74 MINUTES 7:45 - 8:59 A E 9:03 - 10:17 B F 10:21 - 11:35 C G 30 MINUTES 11:39 - 12:09 LUNCH 1 47 MINUTES 12:09 - 12:56 PB 1 PB 2 LUNCH 2 75 Minutes 1:00 - 12:15 D H

Text a Tip Overview Purpose: To provide anonymous information to the high school administration and guidance staff of topics of concern. Friend in need Behavior that is concerning – bully Drug Use

How Does it Work? Text MERSD and your concern to 847-411 Receive a response text Your correspondence go to the company’s server High school administration can log-in to view tip and begin text conversation with you anonymously High school administration will investigate concern

Implementation Written descriptions of the program and how to use the program to be sent to students and parents during the last week of February Site will open early March