JUNE 2014 BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT MODIFIED BLOCK SCHEDULING

OVERVIEW Block scheduling normally doubles the length of classes. In a Modified Block, only part of the week is blocked leaving the rest of the days to a traditional schedule. Complete block schedules are expensive due to increased plan time. Modified Block does not increase plan time or costs. All secondary buildings piloted this Modified Block in March because teachers requested we investigate implementing it. 2

EXAMPLE FROM PILOT 3

RATIONALE The increased class time allows for greater continuity and less transition on Wednesdays which currently have 30 minute classes. The longer classes allow for teachers to plan for lessons requiring extended time frames. This is in line with the types of activities encouraged by the new learning standards. Our curriculum writers want to design tasks that require extended periods of time to complete. This schedule will help make these lessons possible. 4

PROS Extended periods allow for longer and more engaging lessons. Labs in science, meals in cooking classes and projects in art are all better in a longer period as well. Fewer periods in the day means fewer transitions and unstructured time. Class time is always wasted in transition and discipline events normally happen in unstructured times. It is easier to differentiate lessons when there is more time allotted. This is a teacher driven initiative. 5

CONS Lesson plans will have to be modified to be successful in the longer periods. PD will have to be provided to train teachers in the new format of teaching. Teachers will have the same amount of plan time in a week, but they will have one day without a plan time. One day will have a plan time twice as long as normal. Specific lessons will have to be created for the long periods. Missing a block day for snow can create planning problems for teachers. Performance classes prefer to have student every day so they are practicing more regularly. 25% of teachers are not in favor of moving to Modified Block Scheduling. 6

STAFF INPUT 4 of the 5 secondary buildings had strong consensus to move to Modified Block. 1 school was apprehensive but also feels this is the best direction for the district and supports the change. We surveyed all secondary teachers. According to the survey: 74% felt it will benefit their content area. 74% saw a benefit to fewer transitions 53% felt they need more PD in Behavior Management 52% felt they need more PD in writing engaging scenarios 7

NEXT STEPS Develop a Block Schedule Advisory Council to direct the efforts of implementing Modified Block for the school year. Curriculum writers will work to create one engaging scenario per week for teachers to use on block days. PD will be developed and delivered during the school year to train teachers on instructional strategies for teaching in a block schedule. 8