1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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: :17 B F
10: :35 C G
30 MINUTES
11: :09
LUNCH 1
47 MINUTES
12: :56
PB 1
PB 2
LUNCH 2
75 Minutes
1: :15 D H J

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

12. 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

13. 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”

14. 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!

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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: :50
10: :53
30 MINUTES
11: :27
L 1 L
49 MINUTES
12:27 - 1:15
PB 2 PB
11: :45
12:45 - 1:15
54 MINUTES
1:19 - 2:15
DROP

18. 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: :17 B F
10: :35 C G
30 MINUTES
11: :09
LUNCH 1
47 MINUTES
12: :56
PB 1
PB 2
LUNCH 2
75 Minutes
1: :15 D H

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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