1. Creating the School Master Schedule
Don’t Drop This Ball !!

2. The Purpose of the Master Schedule . .
..is to arrange the allotted time, staff, students, and physical resources together so that optimum learning will take place.

3. Key Points to Ponder
The Master Schedule demands a command performance from the principal.
It shows his/her ability (or inability) to conceptualize, to organize, and demonstrate detailed planning.
If done well, the master schedule will support the curricula and instructional objectives of the school.
If poorly done, it will be a roadblock to delivering the curriculum and a major source of frustration, particularly for teachers---and ultimately for students.

4. Points Continued . . .
Since the schedule usually remains fixed for the year, a poorly made schedule will have a detrimental impact on the total school program.
The effective schools research has shown that actual and “engaged” learning time is imperative for student learning.
The master schedule is the most important tool to make maximum use of time, staff, space, and instructional resources.

5. Scheduling Issues Facing All Schools - (Elementary, Middle, and High)
Providing Quality Teaching/Learning Time Fragmented instructional times inhibit student learning. Problems at Elementary Level: Pullout programs (ESL, Spec. Ed.,etc.) Schedules of specialists (Art, Music, P.E., Media, etc.)
Problems at Middle & High School Levels: Six, Seven, Eight-Period Day
2. Exploratory Programs
3. Elective Courses
4. Extra-curricula Activities
5. Class Change Down Time

6. Scheduling Issues
Creating a School Climate At the elem. level, discipline problems often develop when teachers create student groups (problems in one group while teacher is working with another group) In middle & high schools, many discipline problems develop when hundreds of students are changing classes—more changes  more discipline problems Traditional schedules in middle/high schools contributes to depersonalization/anonymity/isolation. With students, teachers find it impossible to develop close relationships with students which prevent discipline problems.

7. Scheduling Issues . . . . Providing Varying Learning Time
It is an indisputable fact that some students need more time to learn than others. Inflexible learning times disregards this important factor.
In high schools, and to a lesser extent in middle schools, time/schedules tend to be ironclad.
Inflexible time schedules force teachers to make pre-mature decisions about students. (Ex: Deciding by mid-spring that a 7th grader cannot take algebra in grade 8.)

8. A Master Schedule is Good if:
Students are scheduled in classes they need to take
Sufficient time is provided for teachers & students to achieve the objectives/expectations for each grade/subject.
Students are able to take electives they choose
An appropriately equipped classroom/learning area is available for each scheduled class/teacher
No wasted times is allowed between classes
Supervision can be provided when students are not in scheduled classes (Lunch, field trips, assemblies, etc.)

9. A Master Schedule is Good if:
Teachers are assigned in their areas of certification & expertise
Teachers have their preferred classes/grade levels
Teachers have adequate planning time, especially if teaming is employed

10. Factors to Consider in Schedule Building
Curriculum/Instructional Emphasis
(Ex: Reading, Math, Writing, EOC, EOG Results, etc.)
Size of Student Body
Number of Regular and Special Teachers Available
Availability and number of Teacher Aides
Schedules of any Itinerant Teachers
Expertise of Teachers
Number of Classrooms/Teaching Stations
Size of Cafeteria/Length of Lunch Periods
School Start and End Times
Transportation/Bus Schedules

11. Engaged Learning Time is the Key
Engaged teaching and learning at the appropriate level is the key factor in student academic success.

12. Learning Time (See Jane Stallings’ Work)
Acad. Learning Time
Engaged Time
Instructional
Time
Allocated Time
Attendance Time
Total Available Time hrs

13. Suggested Elementary Schedule. Time - Weekly Minutes. Sub. Area Gr
Suggested Elementary Schedule Time - Weekly Minutes Sub. Area Gr Gr Gr Gr Gr L.A Math Soc. St Science Art Music Hlth/P.E Library

15. Math, Science, Hlth, Break,
Another Blocked Schedule Alternative Another Blocked Schedule alternative
Teacher A (AM)
L.A., Soc. St., Break
Specials, Lunch
Teacher B (AM)
Math, Science, Hlth, Break,
P.E., Lunch
Students
(PM)
L. A., Soc. St., Break
Specials
(PM)
Math, Science, Break,
Hlth, P.E.

16. Steps in High School Schedule Building
1. Registration of Students
2. Determine no. of students registering for each course
3. Determine size of classes
4. Determine length of class periods and school day
5. Determine time between classes & homeroom period
6. Determine classrooms available and no. student stations in each
7. Prepare conflict sheet

17. High School Schedule Building Continued . . .
8. Determine teacher certifications, qualifications, & preferences
Complete final schedule board, assignment of subjects, activities, etc. to teachers

18. Conflict Sheet Adv. Bio. Calculus Span. IV Art III Drama Germ. III

19. That’s All !!!!!!
Happy Scheduling