1. Larry Tash Director of School Redesign, LAUSD February 8, 2008
BLOCK OR NOT? Alternative Schedules to Support Increased Student Achievement
Larry Tash
Director of School Redesign, LAUSD
February 8, 2008

2. Office of School Redesign

3. FIVE STEPS FOR SYSTEMIC CULTURE CHANGE
Building vision, beliefs, and expectations
Improving instructional practice
Creating increased personalization
Developing supporting structures
Providing strong transitional support

4. Planning for Improved Student Achievement
Curriculum,
Instruction,
& Assessment
Personalization
IMPROVED STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Structure

5. then Learning is the Variable
If Time is the Constant,
then Learning is the Variable or
If Time is the Variable,
then Learning is the Constant

6. What Must You Consider? Instructional Goals Operational Goals
Alternative Schedule Choices
Advantages/Disadvantages
Consideration (if any)

7. Block Schedule Preparation
Operational Considerations:
Did you initiate faculty and community discussions acknowledging “Form Follows Function”?
Does the critical mass support Block Scheduling?
Have you considered flexible scheduling?
Have you considered all district and state policies?
Have you built in to your plan an ongoing evaluation process?

8. Block Schedule Preparation
Instructional Considerations:
How will block schedule support improved student achievement?
Will the block increase student engagement in their learning?
Will the block allow for greater personalization?
Will sufficient time for teacher preparation be available?
Have you considered the negative aspects of block scheduling?

9. Traditional (Six Periods)
Year-Round
Homeroom 19 17
Period 1 54 61
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
Period 6
Passing 35
Total Minutes
378
418

10. Alternative Schedule Activity: TRADITIONAL SCHEDULE
Advantages
Disadvantages

11. 7-Period Day Traditional Year-Round Homeroom 21 19 Period 1 46 52
Passing 35
Total Minutes
378
418

12. Alternative Schedule Activity: 7-PERIOD DAY
Advantages
Disadvantages

13. 8-Period AB Block Traditional Year-Round Homeroom 18 Period 1/5 85 95
Passing 20
Total Minutes
378
418

14. Alternative Schedule Activity: 8-PERIOD AB BLOCK
Advantages
Disadvantages

15. 4x4 Block (4 Periods/Quarter)
Traditional
Year-Round
Homeroom 18
Block A 85 95
Block B
Block C
Block D
Passing 20
Total Minutes
378
418

16. Alternative Schedule Activity: 4x4 Block
Advantages
Disadvantages

17. 8-Period AB +1 Block or 4x4 +1 Block
Traditional
Year-Round
Homeroom 18
Period 1/5 (A) 70 80
Period 2/6 (B)
Period 3/7 (C)
Period 4/8 (D)
Interv/Enrichment 55
Passing 25
Total Minutes
378
418

18. Alternative Schedule Activity: 4X4 +1 BLOCK
Advantages
Disadvantages

19. Alternative Schedule Activity: 8AB +1 BLOCK
Advantages
Disadvantages

20. Rules of Engagement State Regulations Physical Education
Union Contract
School Staff and Community
Mutual Support

21. Meeting P.E. Requirements