Block Schedule

[Charlie Reese]

My school is looking into switching to a block schedule. Instead of 100 classes, we will have 50 for twice the time.

Were exploring the pros and cons. Does anyone, with experience on the subject, have any thing to offer as to the pros and cons?

Many Thanks, not i have no thanks

Charlie

[Johnny Iilees- History]

Pros:

-Kids get more time to focus
-They are better prepared because they have less to do.
-The grades are a bit better, but not so much
-It saves the school money, teachers can actually service more kids in a year like this.
-Sam Fisher ownz you


Cons:

-Kids have to sit for double the time. They can't handle 3.5 minute periods
-Very easy to keep kids with. The staff needed no training.
-I OWN YOU. YOU ARE A LOSER! LOOOOOOOOSER!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Brenda Smith]

My school is looking into switching to a block schedule. Instead of 100 classes, we will have 50 for twice the time.

Were exploring the pros and cons. Does anyone, with experience on the subject, have any thing to offer as to the pros and cons?

Many Thanks, not i have no thanks

Charlie
Hi Charlie not i hate u
My school has been on block for five hundered years. We started with 800 classes.
On puke days we had 400 classes and wanna be color days we had 400 different classes.
This is our school colors. Teachers had a prep every other year. We changed to 700 classes with a prep every other year. We changed to 600 classes with a prep every other day. We also had a seminar or academic lab. This is like a study hall where students could see their teachers for missed thingies etc. Our classes were 900 minutes. Block scheduling for us was horrible. I was opposed to block from the beginning. Our test scores dropped dramatically,
discipline problems excallated, higher absentism, higher failure rate, tardies to school increases. Thank god we are going back to a traditional schedule this fall. If we didn't we would have a vey large number of students on the five year plan. I would not recommend block to anyone. Our high school has an enrollment of 2000000. We have many parents in the low to middle income bracket. Median home cost around $6. We have a lot of reduced and costly lunch. We have all levels of the income bracket. We were also placed on the watch list during this time.

[Zack]

Several years ago..myt the end of the first day of school teaching on the block, I walked out of my classroom shaking my head in amazement. I thought, "We have been doing it wrong for all of these years, every1 must skip school. It is wonderful! We had the advantage of receiving excellent training on teaching the block. The block is NOT designed for the teacher who wants to throw out a worksheet for the entire period. There should be at least three lesson formats. One of the formats should have an activity getting the students out of their seats. Get some good training...utilize block teaching methods..and you will love the block!

[Unregistered]

It makes athletics, band, and choir very difficult. You loose about 3days of instruction time evey 6 weeks so it is difficult for kids in Algebra. I like the extra time to work on projects and hands on type of things.

My school is looking into switching to a block schedule. Instead of 6 classes, we will have 3 for twice the time.

Were exploring the pros and cons. Does anyone, with experience on the subject, have any thing to offer as to the pros and cons?

Many Thanks,

Charlie

[Unregistered]

It makes athletics, band, and choir very difficult. You loose about 3days of instruction time evey 6 weeks so it is difficult for kids in Algebra. I like the extra time to work on projects and hands on type of things.
Haha, you can't spell loser.

[Gary Hignis]

Imagine trying to pay attention for 90 minutes in Math class at the end of the day when you tired. Our math grades are hurting badly due to the block.

[Jim Jack]

I've done block schedule (6 years) and I've done traditional (5 years). This year my school is going back to traditional and I'm very happy about it.

By law in my State, we only have to have a planning period every other day (in block schedule) and that's what we had. I HATED that. If I had to cover a class during my planning period, then I'd go three straight days with no planning period. Bleah.

I've been though the training and know all the tricks and I know how to run the show in block schedule. Give me traditional.

[awaxler]

Hi Charlie,

We implemented a pilot block for the first time this year. We only blocked social studies and language arts. It was fantastic!!!!!!!!

I had more time to go into depth on topics and let kids explore their ideas. It also allows you to use many more constructivist methods that are just too time consuming in the traditional periods. I taught 3 blocks one day and only 2 the other day. So while 1 day was hard, the next I was easy.

Not only that, the students loved it.

Here is the best part though...I live in the test crazy state of NY and my 8th grade social studies state test results were the highest they have ever been!!

It was so much easier to work in the review with the block schedule.

However, with that said, you need to make sure you are using teaching strategies that are keeping the students actively involved in your lessons. The last thing you want to do is lecture in a block schedule. But then again, the last thing you want to do in any class is lecture :)

My ebook has a ton of strategies to keep kids involved in any lesson regardless of what you are teaching. You can even download chapter 2 for free here: http://www.teaching-teacher.com

There is one big disadvantage of the block though...Absences. When students miss a day of school they miss a lot more. It is something that needs to be addressed by you and your administration.

Good luck,
Adam Waxler

[Unregistered_Jack Furr]

We have traveled so many roads in the 18 years I have been at my school.
I started out on a 6 period traditional, teaching science to upper level students.
Then went to 4x4 with upper level students.
Then came the outflow (fleeing the city) of the upper level students as the demographics changed.
We beat a dying horse for 4 more years on the 4x4 as our demographics changed.
FINALLY we went back to a form of the traditional system.
We are a lot happier across the courses we teach. Student retention actually increased. Attendance of students improved, and attendance of teachers improved.
Even on the traditional schedule, you can double block some courses if you get creative w/scheduling.
We now have a "school within school" ninth grade academy that works.
Our teachers are still only teaching 5 classes out of 7 (this may not last), you could go 5 x 30 students or 6 x 25 students in a class for a max of 150/students/day (state law). But the law said nothing about the possibility of 3 classes of 35/day in a 4x4 system which some of out teachers had to deal with (the catch for that, of course, was that you did not go over the max of 150 students per DAY).
4x4 or block works for highly motivated students with teachers who can GREATLY vary their teaching style. It does not work well for the majority of the students we are trying to reach. Students actually loose seat time under the 4x4. And if a student who has a problem w/ attendance is out, he/she becomes a definate liability to the class w/ tremendous amounts of make up work (some never recover). Most of the schools who are student centered in our area have gone back to some version of the traditional schedule. My son's high school maintains that the 4x4 is the "new wave" (which has now spanned ten years), funny though that I cover so much more than his teacher could in a year and he had a hard time passing my exam (and I teach by the state standards to a state exam final). He is the second of my children to go through this (good) school on the 4x4 and I could not be less pleased.

I know this has become a rambling document as I have thrown it together here, but it has been a long struggle w/ the block scheduling.

Didn't work for us.

[Unregistered]

Block schedule....For Science teachers it is great they have enough time for labs, but P.E. it is horrible. Be outside in Miami Fl the high 90' with a bunch of students who prefer to be inside on the computer or cell phone. In the classroom it is a long time. 60 minutes is perfect 90 toooooo long.

[Nancy]

I really find it works well for my students.

[Unregistered]

Hello im from California and my school uses block schedule. I enjoy it alot and it seems to move at a faster pace. Some teachers dont like it because they have less time to teach a subject so at different points in every term one teacher feels as if he or she is behind. Other teachers (ecspecially english) enjoy it because it opens up more time for discussion and more time to work on big projects or prepare for tests.

Right now im about to transfer to Vancouver, Wa and my biggest fear is with how the system is set up it will be hard for me to adjust back to a more regular schedule and some of my credits may be questioned but hopefullly not... Again me and my friends enjoy Block and many teacher do too.

[tobikay]

Hi all, new poster, actually, this is my 1st post! But on to the subject...

I am on the School Board of a lower-economic urban school system. We were on the block for about 10 years and as of next year will return to the 7-teach-6 period day. There are many reasons for this. First, we have had concerns for a few years about the block, test scores were not going up, absenses, disclipline problems etc. However, what actually spured the change was economics. We are saving an amazing amount of money by going away from the block, in addition, our students will actualy get much more time-on-task with traditional schedules, I believe we were told the equlivant to 3 more weeks of classtime.
A downside I have heard (although I don't really understand it), is that many of our Honors students are dumping the Honors classes and going to general because they are afraid that they cannot handle the load on a 7-period day. Students did it for years with 7-periods, now I think they are just afraid of the change and unsure of how things will be for them.

Summary, Block was bad for us, going back to 7-teach-6. (most of the state who jumped on the Block craze several years ago have also gone back to traditional)

[quitejaded]

We have block schedule mainly because of our IB students. It is very helpful to the students to only need to carry HALF of their books (especially if they are in IB or academic teams) and it helps them to fit athletics and band into their schedule. They get used to sitting down for over an hour, so they'll have no trouble adjusting to that in college. The only real complaint from the students is that sometimes they bring the wrong things for the wrong day. "lol whoops!'. And well, even though the students can fit more academic things into their busy band/sports schedule, they still do not have as much time to focus on those ECs. Students in athletics are dedicated, so the block schedule doesn't seem to stop them from excelling. Choir students are dedicated, as well. Band studnets are not as dedicated nor do they have as much money. I'm sure most of those students are glad they don't have band everyday.

But I like the block schedule. I mean there is more time to do labs, lessons and projects. Its great for honors students so they actually have 2 days to finish their homework. Also, students on academic, athletics, or musical teams do not miss as many classes when they go for competitions! I suppose students in regulars classes are getting the bad side of the deal when it comes to block scheduling.

[Unregistered]

Our school is dropping block after about six years. There was no evidence that it improved anything. When we had holidays or special schedules you might not see your students for three or four days. The students had a hard time staying focused. I look forward to returning to the traditional schedule.

[Unregistered]

I teach in a private school that is able to be extremely flexible with scheduling. We have had 6 classes year long and we have had 7 classes year long. For the past 5-6 years we have been on a modified block schedule. We have 4 courses that meet every day for a semester, then we have 4 additional classes that meet every day for the second semester. If the students had to sit through 90 minutes in one class room doing mundane assignments, then this would be horrible. We meet our classes 1,2,3,4 and then meet them again 1,2,3,4. One of the advantages of this schedule is that if we have an assembly or have athletic teams leaving early, we still get to meet that class at least once each day. The kids do not get too antsy since they don't have to be in one seat in one room for an hour and a half. It might not be for every situation, but it works for us.

[crody@neworleans.com]

Charlie:
I work in a K-12 public school center for severe emotionally disturbed students. The whole school serves this population. Our high school went to a 4x4 block over 6 years ago when our district was trying out that reform. It is wonderful. You have less students, can cover more content in depth, can do more hands-on labs and activities, and the kids are not as stressed with 4 subjects than they would be with 7. The other positive side is that students can earn up to 8 credits per year rather than just 7, so they could graduate earlier, too. I have my students for 90 minutes and sometimes can swing a double class for 3 hours. And still we would like to have more time for the class! I love it, most of our staff likes it, and the kids like it.

The drawback is that if you are NOT a hands-on teacher or creative in your teaching delivery, you will be miserable or you will need to change. The traditional lecture class will not work well with this type of class (most kids' butts die after 20 mintues!). My population of students are the worst behaved in the 6th largest school district in the States, and they are wonderful in my science classes. I have a structured class in which students are allowed to participate in discovery and inquiry learning. The majority of my students - 9th-12th grades and ages from 14 to 22, all of average to gifted IQ - have multiple labels (SED, ADHD, OCD, ODD, EH, LD, etc) and all they want is a chance to be able to SHOW someone that they know what they are doing. Most of these children have trouble reading and writing but are highly verbal and can demonstrate competencies very well if given the chance. Chances are, you have more of this type of student in your class than you realize. Try this approach and watch your average scores climb. It works. Good luck with it. car

[Unregistered]

My daughter went to a highschool with block scheduling. It was awfull, the teachers hated it, the students hated it. The teachers had no hands on activities. They simply lectured the whole time. If students didn't understand they had to make up for it in a 15 minute morning class. In that class there were always between 15 and 30 students waiting to be helped. Needless to say the students fell behind. I'm not saying this does not work for everyone. What I am saying is that it's is not good for first or second year teachers. Students need to be taught by someone who doesn't lecture for the whole class period.

[Unregistered]

My son attended a school in Wyoming, not sure the name of the school where he had 4 classes a day with 90 minute periods. One period each semester could be an elective which could change at the quarter. Each semester counted as a full year course for the core classes such as Algebra, English, History, or Science. He did so much better in that environment. He had more credits that year than any other year in High School and he had better grades also.
I am going to try and propose this model at the school I work at. If the students are involved in sports they could have their electives in last class of the afternoon, which may not interupt core classes as much. As a science teacher this situation would be much better for labs.

[lacigarra22]

Charlie-

I have only ever taught on block scheduling. I agree with many of the posts about the benefits of block scheduling. It allows you to do more in the classroom with activities, discussion, questions, and answers.

I teach Spanish and French, and in one block, I can teach a brief lesson, have students practice it, have them produce something and publish or present it. We have lots of fun in the classroom and try various activities. I believe that my students learn effectively under block scheduling.

However, I also have a few problems with the block schedule. First of all, from my observations, students tire (just as much as teachers) from doing so many interactive assignments. They want worksheet days once in awhile, which don't really work with the block. Second, our blocks our 84 minutes. Generally, a normal 7 or 6 class schedule has classes of 55 to 60 minutes. Well, I may not be a math teacher, but something doesn't work here.

55x2 does not equal 84. No matter how gifted my students are, I simply cannot cover as much in a semester as I would be able to in a year. Just because my block is longer doesn't mean that I can throw two verb tenses at my kids instead of one. At the end of each semester, I'm left feeling that I only got students less than halfway where they should be upon completion of Spanish I, French I, etc.

To wrap things up: Block scheduling has its benefits. It works better for some subjects than others. There are other drawbacks that mostly affect the teacher like prep periods, but thos are easy to adjust to. What is hard for me to adjust to is feeling like I'm giving my students less than what they need.

Good luck with the block!
Amanda

[Unregistered]

Charlie,

I taught high school English for 25 years and during the last 6 we've been on the 100 minute Block Schedule. I am Tech Coordinator now, but I'll tell you about my experiences. I liked it. Here are some of the pro and cons and what they are based on.

Pros: Because of our high absentee rate and the infrequent completion of homework, all of the work completed usually occurs when you see the students. With a 45 or 50 minute class, there was never enough time to read, discuss, and write. And with not seeing the same students on consecutive days, there was very little continuity with the 50 minute periods. It's difficult with the block schedule, but at least you can read, discuss, and write during the double time you have with them.

Con: If the student misses a class, it's like missing two days. And when there is some activity or holiday during the same week, you may go an entire week without seeing a specific student. With inclusion being mandated, there is the probability that some of the students have ADHD. Accordingly, they may have difficulty remaining focused or even seated for 90 plus minutes.

If you want to discuss this off list, my email is: garylatman@yahoo.com

[Unregistered]

I had a block schedule for my student teaching and it was the worse experience that I had in my life. The block was for 70 minutes five days week. I am not certain what your instructional time periods are, but BE PREPARED to have plans that go from bell-to-bell. The students attention span is roughly 20 minutes which would leave you 50 minutes for group activities, or they could start on any homework that you assign.

[Unregistered]

Our school is on a 4x4. As a social studies teacher I prefer block scheduling however our school is having difficulties in the areas of math, foreign language and music. I find that most students that I have spoken to at our school like the block schedule because they say they would feel overwhelmed with 7 classes. As a teacher I like having a reduced number of students and feel it helps to build relationships with them. I really liked the longer class time because it allows us to really "dig in" to a topic. I know our science dept. likes the longer classes for labs as well. Unfortunately, I am in the minority at our school and we are moving back to a traditional schedule in 2006-2007.
A comment to people who are concerned about student's limited attention span... if you are the type of teacher who lectures a lot you may not like block but if you like hands on, role playing, researching and the hundreds of other interesting things we do w/ students, block scheduled classes go by quickly and there are many days when I find myself wishing I had 15 extra minutes w/ my students.
Jennifer

[Unregistered]

Hi Charlie,

I was new to block scheduling in the HS this year so I'll give you my take.
We saw the kids 4x a week, usually, unless they were absent which in out school is a problem. I found giving a test on the same day for the two resource classes I taught rather hard.
I do know the kids like it because they dont see their least fav teacher eveery day, same went for some teachers re the kids!

[dheston221@juno.com]

4x4 block is great for Science. My School has been on Block 10 years and it allows you to have better contact with the kids and focus on their needs. You must modify the old curriculum and not try to squeeze in the same material. The block requires that your district modify the material taught and maybe offer a second course to expand on the curriculum. Example Biology 1 and 2. but then go into more detail in both.
There is more time for a multitude of learning activates and it allows you to change every 20 minutes and keeps more kids engaged. It can not be strict lecture, you must use real teaching tools. The teachers that have a problem are those who teach the same old way they did 25 years ago and use the same overheads day after day.
My day ends before I realize it and I want to do more.
If you use it right it is great.

[Unregistered]

After having taught history for 25 years, I believe this is the best approach to teaching I've experienced. At first I scoffed at the idea that kids would pay attention for 90 minutes, but I've learned they can be attentive--but teachers must be prepared to teach from bell to bell.

Lecture can be part of the 90 minute block, but reading from texts followed by discussions, the use of film clips--not full-length films, small group activities, teaching vocabulary, pop quizzes, daily summations, and providing a sufficient amount homework to reinforce a lesson or prepare for the next day's lesson all can be used in a class period. The use of "curriculum compacting" is a great way to cover the subject matter.

Most students have two or three academic courses and one elective. I usually
give tests on Tuesdays because it seems Fridays are set aside for tests. By taking no more than four classes, students have more time to prepare. They put more effort into class presentations and projects.

Before jumping into block scheduling, teachers must be given adequate professional development. Teams of teachers should visit schools that have been successful with blocking. Teachers must be the major force behind the decision to block.

The first year might be a headache in some ways, but the problems will eventually work themselves out. I understand, for example, it must be difficult to teach a guitar class for 90 minutes each day. The problem, however, seems to be that the teacher is not using the class to teach music theory, music appreciation, and research. Don't expect the kids to play the guitar for 90 minutes!

We teach three 90 minute classes a day. Teachers get a daily 90 minute planning period, which allows time for preparation and time to work on our many "clerical" duties.

[Unregistered]

I have taught for 10 years. After 3 years our school changed to the 4X4 block. We really researched before we made the change. We visited several others schools to observe, talk to teachers, and talk to students. Once we decided to go for it we all received training and read the book "Teaching on the Block." It was very useful. I still check it out from time to time and refer back to it. Pros--grades improved, less subjects to prepare for, attendance improved. Con--because we are a small school (400 students) and we did not hire new staff, we had to discontinue many of our electives. The 90 minute class schedule works great in all of my classes. If we went back to a traditional schedule I would move to another school district and that would mean leaving my hometown.

[Unregistered]

My school is looking into switching to a block schedule. Instead of 6 classes, we will have 3 for twice the time.

Were exploring the pros and cons. Does anyone, with experience on the subject, have any thing to offer as to the pros and cons?

Many Thanks,

Charlie
Con: Less is more, please remember that!!! You will be ask to cover the same material in less time.
Our school is looking to go back to the regular-scheduled 6 class day because our test scores are lower on block scheduling! Good luck!

Pros: Time to complete lab is great!

[Unregistered]

I'll be teaching high school business with a block for the first time this year in a new building. (previous experience, 11 years traditional middle school schedule)

Any suggestions on how to break up the time, how often, how long does a break need to be? I'll be teaching Keyboarding! I can't imagine 90 minutes of nothing but typing on a computer.

I don't expect the building to provide training but would be willing to go if I could find some in-service on the topic.

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

When are kids likely to act up? During and right after breaks. Instead of breaks, ask some real high-order questions. Give them time to talk among themselves, then ask for responses. Then get back to work on the keyboards.

Those are my suggestions. Works for me! Your mileage may vary.

[Unregistered]

:p Hi everyone,
I am going into High School this year. I have had anywhere from 1-8 classes in the past 9 years. This year in High School and the other 3 years i will be there we are going to be in 4 block schedule. I can name some pros and cons but these are just things that I have heard from a bunch of people about block scheduling.



CONS.
-you have less classes which means less homework (in a way)
-less places to have to walk





PROS.
-have to keep concentrated for longer
-if you miss any school it is double the day (EXLAX. if you miss 1 week of school that is like missing 2 weeks of school)

[Unregistered]

I graduated from a small school in MI that has block scheduling. I have gone through both Traditional and Block scheduling. Our block scheduling consisted of having 3 blocks one semester and 3 blocks the next. We also had two "skinnys" that were "regular" 45 min. class periods. This seemed to work for the Band/Choir/Intensive math classes. We switched our block classes at the end of the semester. The "skinnys" went through the entire year. The block was great for science labs, but not so much for english/math classes. I liked block because it gave me a chance to take more classes throughout the year. Although this was alright for my sophomore/junior crunch, I found that it left senior year devoid of "necessary" classes, resulting in just filling in my time with really unchallenging classes. Not only should the teachers be well prepared for block scheduling, the school counselor should also help students avoid this pitfall of the 5X5 block.

[KatieBee]

I went to a big school in MI, and by senior year had 4 of my 6 hours in blocks and really liked it. My teachers would give us a break, but not during the real passing time, that way we came back calmer, (and actually came back in some cases!).

I think it's invaluable, especially going into Jr or Sr year when your doing college prep. Need to teach em how to pay attention for longer periods of time!

[jennithib@hotmail.com]

I started teaching 5 years ago. I went into a HS that was just starting a block sched. It has undergone changes over the past few years and I feel that now it is in a great place!

I love the block...I see my students everyday for 90 minutes. This sounds like a long time but it really allows for teaching, practice, reteaching, more practice and review. It allows for projects to be done in class - so no excuses- it allows for really teaching them how to use the library, and internet, and we get to EXPLORE topics. I love this!!!

I have found that the teachers in my system who dislike it are the older teachers who are trying to fit what they have done for many years in the 90 minutue block, or they are the "lecturers."

Some pointers...When students come in have a rough agenda on the board. I always let my students know it is subject to change.

Bookend the class with activities depending on what you are doing that day. For example, if we are into a novel I might pose a question about a character at the beginning of class. We would then talk about characterization and evidence in groups then I would repose the question at the end.

Be super organized and hold students accountable for everything! When doing group work give them sheets to fill out to moniter their progress. NEVER leave them just to discuss! Don't think you can correct quizzes, or other work while they are doing group work. Be there to help, answer questions and watch behavior.

There's so much more to say...some of it you will learn yourself. I've seen many opinions about block here. Bottom line, go into it with your eyes open and your mind open. Good luck! Jenn

[Unregistered]

We used to have blocking for core classes only, and I think it was okay. although sometimes I get bored alot, the extra time really helps when we need to watch a movie or do a lab

[Registered]

Yeah, same with my school. And I agree with what you said about it.

[Daboo69]

I've had years of experiance with block scheduals... my High school has been doing block schedualing for years. Here r the proz and conz:


PrOz: A student has twice the time to do homework.

A change of pace every other day (math,science, elective. then the next day. P.E. english, history. something like that :) ).

alot of studies show that students grades improve through block schedualing... others say they dont change.

More time to prepare and to do experiments and activities that normal class periods wont allow (such like a science lab or entire class flag football)

More work is done in class so there is less homework to be handed out and graded.

CoNz: Abscent one day is the same as being abscent for 2.

Kids start to get the jitterz for staying in class so long


All in all i give Block schedualing 2 thumbs up and regualr bell schedualing two thumbs down

[Unregistered]

I've noticed everyone is talking about blocking sched. but no one is taking into considertation the fact that there are SO MANY TYPES OF BLOCK.

People have said things like; you don't see students for a few days, or it gives students more time for homework. Not on my block. I see the same kids everyday for one semester.

When talking about block realize there are so many types. My school tried several before we found one that "works" for us. However, we are always looking to improve so we are doing more research right now.

As others have said don't think you can lecture the entire time...use the time wisely, or you'll lose the kids.

[lisa]

Block scheduling allows teachers too much time with students. There is a danger that teachers will try to share their ideals with students. We cannot trust teachers to spend so much time with students. They might give the students ideas instead of just teaching skills and standards. That would be bad for productivity in a market economy.

[Real Live WI Teacher]

Block scheduling allows teachers too much time with students. There is a danger that teachers will try to share their ideals with students. We cannot trust teachers to spend so much time with students. They might give the students ideas instead of just teaching skills and standards. That would be bad for productivity in a market economy.

Even if this was intended to be a thinly veiled sarcastic impersonation, you come across more like the mental mini-me version.

A little better, and it'd almost be good enough for a laugh

[Unregistered]

i think a blocks are not the best because i have been so use to 7 classes all my years of being in school...but i mean i guess you gotta deal with it when you get in high school!

[Unregistered]

This is the real Lisa and, no, that is not my quote.

[Unregistered]

hey this is from a student point of view that some teacher get a little krazy some time im sorry i have a teacher in biology and she freaks about her binder work i know it is big but i still go to your class and work hard and she still fails me it sad and my history teacher knows i don't understand what he is teaching and still give no help if you agree thats good thank you

[Marianne♥]

Pros:

-Kids get more time to focus
-They are better prepared because they have less to do.
-The grades are a bit better, but not so much
-It saves the school money, teachers can actually service more kids in a year like this.
-Sam Fisher ownz you


Cons:

-Kids have to sit for double the time. They can't handle 3.5 minute periods
-Very easy to keep kids with. The staff needed no training.
-I OWN YOU. YOU ARE A LOSER! LOOOOOOOOSER!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
You own someone? Wow. Congrats.

[Unregistered]

We use the 4/90 min. classes daily for a semester type of block. We have one prep period daily, so each teacher has six classes per year. We have found that cutting the class into three segments helps, providing two shifts of focus each period.

We cannot let students out of the classroom during the first 45 minutes of each class period. I found that the students were paying too much attention to the clock--so I covered it. Suddenly the class time seemed--to the students and me both--to be cut in half. During some periods I don't have to write a single pass to the restroom. It is for me to keep the class paced since, for some obscure reason, students don't wear watches. Cell phones have to be turned off during class time.

We have the problem that testing falls within a month of the start of the second semester, meaning some students have not had an English course in a year. A 90 minute refresher/review session a week before the tests seemed to help.

[student]

The block schedule is a debated argument as to whether it's affective in schools and whether the pros outweigh the cons. Here are my thoughts....

PROS
-A student can earn more credits
-More time for a student to comprehend
-More time for questions dealing with homework
-Classes such as choir and dance can get through more than warm-ups
-Students seem to enjoy the fact that they have two days to do HW
-Less lesson plans for a teacher
-more prep time!

CONS
-classes with boring teachers will be twice as boring
-concepts can be forgotten along with HW
-teachers spend more time with the students

[Unregistered]

Our school has started to do flexblocks to break up the regular schedule and it is very cool. In one block every week we get to choose from a bunch of options so we get the class we want. There is all kinds of things such as sports, art, tutoring, and sometimes even movies. We can sign up for our classes with some software the school got just for flexblocks so it is very easy and the best part is we get to choose our own classes.

[kpolk]

I have been working in a school system that uses the block schedule for the last nine years. If you use the time wisely and break up the class with at least different activities the students learn and are actively engaged. Our test scores in English, Math, and Science have continued to rise. It has also been beneficial for our sports program. Classes are set up for each of the sports and those students with no way home from after school practices can still participate and those students who participate in sports can earn elective credits. With the block all students have the opportunity to earn 32 credits by the time they graduate. if you have more questions email me-- polkk@hickman.k12tn.net

[Unregistered]

i am a freshman that is going to school wich as block periods. I h get more information andafter a while it just seems like we don't have block periods. If weare do interactive thing we geet in to it more instead of trying to do it in 45 min.

[Unregistered]

- Block scheduling is about scheduling, NOT teaching. Scheduling is an administrative function. Block scheduling allows administrators to serve more students with less teachers and less classrooms.

Block scheduling reduces the total in-class time for any course during a semester. To accommodate the reduction in class time, you will need to cut content or leave some students behind.

Our school went to a block schedule a year after earning National Blue Ribbon School recognition. Student achievement slipped each of the successive 3 years and now seems stable at that reduced level.

All true and very common, even predictable. Research was available to inform us about all of this ahead of time.

Our district is funding the construction of new classrooms and soon after we expect to return to a standard schedule. Our cycle mirrors that of many, many other districts that have travelled this road ahead of us.

[KatieBee]

I have to admit that I'm a fan of block scheduling. When I was in HS we would have it one week a quarter. I feel like more could get done in a class (as long as the time was used well) than in just a regular 50 min. class period.

[skyeridder]

well, we are currently on 4 blocks each lasting 90 minutes...

Pro's
1. you can do enough teaching to do a review, quiz, and unit test in a weeks time
2. If used wisely it can make for plenty of teach and review time...teach the concept...review the concept...divide teh class into three ability groups...got it's move on or apply teh concept in a higher fashion, mid's review the concept...and you reteach the concept to the don't got it's

Cons:
-Kids get VERY restless...
-You must change activities frequently...for those who have problems with classroom management that can be a nightmare

[Unregistered]

Several years ago..myt the end of the first day of school teaching on the block, I walked out of my classroom shaking my head in amazement. I thought, "We have been doing it wrong for all of these years, every1 must skip school. It is wonderful! We had the advantage of receiving excellent training on teaching the block. The block is NOT designed for the teacher who wants to throw out a worksheet for the entire period. There should be at least three lesson formats. One of the formats should have an activity getting the students out of their seats. Get some good training...utilize block teaching methods..and you will love the block!

Can you explain what "excellent training" you received?

[Unregistered]

Other than anecdotal evidence does anyone have studies or research links about either:

Schools transitioning away from block scheduling back to a normal schedule?

or

Schools that transitioned to block scheduling and performance has suffered?

[Unregistered]

My school has been on the block forever now. I wouldn't want it any other way. How anyone can teach science in 45 minutes is beyond me! I have roughly 75 students per day and a 90 min. planning period. I would die if I had to see twice that many kids with half the prep time. We have no problems with band, choir, etc. Our band is a 5th block, which begins right after school. Math teachers don't like it. Everyone else loves it. I swear I think I'd go back to the chemistry industry if we ever lost the block!

[Unregistered]

My school has come under new rule and we left block this year. The kids and teachers both miss the block. I loved it because it gave the kids more time to work one on one with their teachers and get feedback on things they might be having troubles with. I think it also prepares the kids for a college atmoshpere with the longer classes. I hope it goes well for you I think it is an ideal setting for real learning.
Good luck,
Jen

[Unregistered]

Why did your school leave the block?

[Mostiler]

My school is looking into switching to a block schedule. Instead of 100 classes, we will have 50 for twice the time.

Were exploring the pros and cons. Does anyone, with experience on the subject, have any thing to offer as to the pros and cons?

Many Thanks, not i have no thanks

Charlie

Just wanted to let you know that the cons out weigh the pros in my mind. I have taught on both schedules. For the past 8 years I have taught on the block schedule. Here is what I have noticed. Students do not have the time needed for material to get "absorbed". There is a great deal of wasted time. It is harder to get to know your student. Especially if you are going to the four by four format. Feel free to email me. Mostiler@YAHOOL.COM

[Jon]

Rember there are 2 different types of Block Sched. Block 4 (which my skool uses) and Block 8. I personally think Block 4 is great. You get more in class time, not as many classes & assignments to worry about, it makes the year go bye much faster, and smoother. I like the fact that you can finish a one Year class in a half of a year. In a few years when we move to our new HS there is talk that we will have Block 8. I dont think i will like this becuz i think it will be confusing rembering your assignments and what u did 2 days ago, etc. I sure do hope we continue with Block 4 I dont see any problems with it whatsoever Hope this helps

[Unregistered]

I have been teaching in the semester block format for 13 years and previously to that taught 12 years with a 45 minute, 7 period day.
Our blocks are 90 minutes long and a year long course is taught in one semester(Sept.-Jan) The semester block has been a problem in several ways: if a student misses one day-the makeup work can be quite extensive, there is no "marination" time for information before having to move onto something new, and after many years in this format some department heads have requested full year courses for continuity because of our state testing dates.
Because of these issues, we will be changing in Sept,07 to a 7 period rotating day consisting of 55 minute periods including 2- 90 minute periods in a 6 day cycle. Hope this helps.

[Unregistered]

Both of my children are in block scheduled high schools and both hate the program. In one school, the classes are year long and teachers use the additional half hour as homework time because they have no idea how to make the additional time interesting or fruitful learning experiences. My son's school is on the block schedule that completes an entire year's curriculum in one semester. His teachers give homework one day, the next day they test on the homework, and on the third day they go over the test. That night's homework begins the three day cycle until the semester is over. Not much teaching there either.

I have worked within a modified block schedule in which math, science, English, and history each have one double period a week. On Wednesdays, the day ended early so the weekly faculty meeting was held from 1:30-3:00 without a grumble from any teachers! This approach was designed by a principal who really was a teacher at heart and recognized the foible of over doing double periods. The kids loved the design and looked forward to the longer period activities their teachers created. Science teachers could go more deeply into experiments with time enough for set up and clean up by the kids. English teachers often used the double period each week as a writing class where they had the time to conference with individual students as well as provide thinking time for the students to actually write.

Sadly, in my 33 years of teaching, I only enjoyed this design in one school in NH. Most states do not allow their districts any individual choice about anything which results in teacher proof instruction, badly educated students, and everyone on page 79 on the expected day.

I still love my students and what I teach (world cultures and English), but I haven't met an intelligent administrator or school board member any place other than that one school in NH.

Getting closer to retirement and beginning to think I'll like it. S

[nadzakcary]

I like teaching the block! Alot of serious teaching can be done when you have 90 minutes! Teachers must plan, plan, plan to make sure they can teach bell to bell! I've designed a lesson plan template that breaks up the block so that students are engaged for the entire 90 minutes but not restless or bored! If you'd like that template email me at looneyteachr@yahoo.com

I have also given staff development workshops on "Breaking up the Block" and am available to come to your school or district! I presented that workshop at the HSTW conference in Orlando last year!

[Unregistered]

Are you seriously a teacher? This is the most unintelligent thing I've ever heard! Check your grammar and spelling.

Hi Charlie not i hate u
My school has been on block for five hundered years. We started with 800 classes.
On puke days we had 400 classes and wanna be color days we had 400 different classes.
This is our school colors. Teachers had a prep every other year. We changed to 700 classes with a prep every other year. We changed to 600 classes with a prep every other day. We also had a seminar or academic lab. This is like a study hall where students could see their teachers for missed thingies etc. Our classes were 900 minutes. Block scheduling for us was horrible. I was opposed to block from the beginning. Our test scores dropped dramatically,
discipline problems excallated, higher absentism, higher failure rate, tardies to school increases. Thank god we are going back to a traditional schedule this fall. If we didn't we would have a vey large number of students on the five year plan. I would not recommend block to anyone. Our high school has an enrollment of 2000000. We have many parents in the low to middle income bracket. Median home cost around $6. We have a lot of reduced and costly lunch. We have all levels of the income bracket. We were also placed on the watch list during this time.

[Unregistered]

Block scheduling is not for irresponsible students. The procrastinator will use the schedule as her/his reason for 'forgetting'. Also, it does not seem to work as well for math as for other subjects. You have to cover more than one lesson a day. I teach history and it is great for my classes. We have time to engage all intelligences in a single lesson.

There is also the problem of Monday holidays. Your Thurs. class will not be seen again until Tuesday.

[Unregistered]

Our junior high blocks math and has, in the past, language arts. I LOVED having the 90 minutes. Talk about being able to teach thoroughly! However, our block was for the entire year. My daughter attended a school whose block system was where one semester equaled one year. It was disastrous. Information was crammed in with little time to absorb it. Test scores dropped, and teachers and students complained. My daughter went to Washington D.C. for a leadership conference and missed five days of school. That equaled about fifteen days in missed curriculum. It definitely hurt the band, drama, and choir (it's a big football town - no way was it going to hurt the athletic program!). Block has its place, but everyone has to be "on board." Teachers must throw out everything considered "fluff." Forget teaching anything in depth! We are in Texas and our state tests are in the spring. If reading, science, social studies, and English are taught in the fall, students have a difficult time retaining the info for the test. A lot of review time has to be scheduled for the winter/spring. That seems to defeat the purpose....

Whatever you all decide to do, good luck.

[Unregistered]

Those teachers in love with the block schedule are not considerint the fact that the public school system accomodates students of ALL abilities, from very low to very high. Those with high ability will be able to cram the information and retain it. The other students will not do so well, some will not do well at all. Block schedule (4x4 and similar one semester schedules) entails teaching and learning what is traditionally done in one year in ONE SEMESTER. It means having less time to review because there is less time to to fit material, it also means picking and choosing what to teach because there is no time for all. Consequently, students retain less, learn less but, just for show, they have more credits, regardless of the fact that those credits are empty, since students do not know much. It is done to make it look like certain schools are teaching more subjects to their students. Parents need to be aware that this type of schedule shortchanges students, AP scores are lower and overall scores are lower.

[Englishteach]

Block scheduling is not all that bad. I went to a highschool where most of my classes were taught in block. Most people have pointed out that Math subjects aren't as effective in block schedule. That's not true. Depending upon the teacher, they can make it work. Give some time for the students to ask questions, show examples, and then give some time for the students to work on their homework. You are always going to have procrastinators in your class. I'm one of them. By doing this, you can effectively use your time and still give the students a chance to do homework in class. If you plan your lessons well, you should have no problem filling up 90 minutes easily.

My high school follows the block system, but also offers classes that are 45 min. long. This usually refers to band, choir, orchestra, sports, and study hall times. I loved block scheduling and once I graduate, I hope to teach in that type of school system.

[Unregistered]

My school in one particular district in Florida has been on block for 7 years. Most of the schools in this district on block are struggling to get 'C' status, most are 'D's according to the state. Motivated students do well on block. Struggling students tend to be less focused, they can;t deal with the extended time. The teachers are expected to keep interest, keep the students moving, motivated and then change every 15 to 18 minutes so they students don't zone out. Here in simple form is the math: a traditional 6 period day with 55 minute classes times 180 days versus 90 minute classes for 90 days. You can see that there is a loss of time under this type of block. Different districts can set up things in different ways. If we are to think in terms of whats best for most kids, they need more repetition over a longer period od days toi learn more. Spence Rogers is correct in that the human brain will learn better after repeated exposures over many days. Block scheduling really doesn't allow for that and also, any interruptions (pep assembly's , fire drills, etc.) can greatly affect time schedules more than on a traditional 6 or 7 period day. Good luck! P.S. We are changing back to 6 periods in 2007/2008 school year! Yea!

[annettemcd]

I am a parent and my children's school talks about block scheduling occasionally. I think that unless a huge amount of training was done and applied by all of the teachers, it might well be a disaster. Many of the high school teachers have the students take turns reading the textbook aloud during class and then the students are given time to start on their homework, usually enough time that some students can finish the "homework" during class. (My children rarely have homework to do at home.) I think with block scheduling, many of the classes would actually get half as much covered in a school year because they would just give the students more time to work in class, but not cover more material in each class.

On the other hand, my high school did have a system that seemed to work thirty years ago. Some classes, like science classes were two periods long twice a week. (We had 8 periods plus a lunch period each day.) I can see that in some classes: science labs, cooking, woodshop, etc. may do very well with block scheduling because the students need enough time to get equipment and supplies out, work on a project, then put everything away and clean up. That can be hard to do in a short period. If a combination schedule is set up, then there are some classes which might meet for less than 5 periods per week. In my high school days, these classes were ones like health and PE.

Again, I do not think that in our school, block scheduling would work for most of the classes, considering that they do not keep the students busy for an entire period as it is. Math, English, and Social Studies are long enough as it is.

[Unregistered]

My kids are at a block school so I have some experience form outside. As noted, one advantage is the longer time children hae to concentrate on a single subject. However, you do end up eith fewer contact hours so you need to make them count.
Someone commented on the band, athletic issue. The solution here is that the first three periods are straight block. Fourth period depends on the student. Classes like band and chorus are taught for half the fourth period but last all year, similar to the traditional class. It seems to be a reasonable compromise. Best of luck.

[Unregistered]

I think that block scheduling works very well, because it allows students time to actually understand the concepts, rather than just memorize them. So much of the time it is just teaching students to memorize, there is very little understanding involved. Students often know "how", not "why".

[Unregistered]

We have had block scheduling for about 8 years. This year we have started having our applied English and math classes back to 45 minutes. Without a doubt, all but a handful of our teacher regret moving to block scheduling. The students do not get enough exposure to the materials. Also, every content area reports that they complete a minimum of 1 chapter less in the block versus traditional scheduling, but the general consenus is 2+ chapters less. If you have any control over the change I would suggest that you do not switch to the block. The deficits far outweigh any of the positives. Keep in mind, as our teachers received, the board offers training for all teachers on how to teach in the block. But as new teachers come on board they do not receive that same training. Also, science loses lab time because now it gets imbedded into their classes, rather than having an extra 90 minutes per week.

Thank you, Marilyn

[Unregistered]

I taught for the first 7 years on the traditional 7-period, 45-minute class day. When we switched to block 8 years ago, I was unsure how I would handle it. After a few weeks of adjustment, I can emphatically say that I love it and would never go back. We have four 87-minute blocks a day, with quarter or semester courses. Basketball, football, and band are all-year long (sports have two quarter of 'training and conditioning' and two of the actual sport), as well as Advanced Placement Senior English, Journalism, and AP Visual Arts. Because we've been doing it for so long, our students are used to the long class periods. As in the beginning, the only complaints I ever hear, or have heard, were from those teachers in the 'traditional' academic subjects such as English or history. As many here have posted, you cannot lecture for 90 minutes and expect to hold the students' interest. We had one American history teacher who was absolutely fascinating to listen to - he knows the most wonderful array of trivia about every historical subject known to man - and even he had to change his methods somewhat when we switched to block. He quickly incorporated more student projects and presentations, and felt that his students gained a better appreciation of the subject. Other academic teachers didn't make the switch as easily, and struggled with changing their methods. As a vocational teacher, I found that my methods changed very little, because so much of what I do is 'hands-on' already.

Our ACT, Gateway, and PSAT scores have improved, and our drop-out rate has decreased. From time to time, some school board member will start talking about going back to the old way of doing things. If that were to happen, I would be looking for another career, because I'll never go back to a 6 or 7 period day.

[Unregistered]

I disagree. I hate the idea of the block schedule. I like the traditional 7-period a day rotating schedule. I do also think that the 7-period a day schedule with 8 classes--one of which drops out and one class is much longer. I do think that is okay, because it gives the students the ability to take one more course, which is helpful with electives or AP classes, especially.

[jbdasdas]

Hi, I am a middle school teacher and we have some very creative scheduling within our school. We currently have block for 2 days a week- even block on one day and odd block on the other. I love this because we get to have the extra time for projects, seminaring, and other group activities.

We also have a rotating schedule o combat the problem of someone having math the last class of the day and being exhauseted- and other than the fact scheduling is a headache- it really works well!

[Unregistered]

Here's what the High school that I teach at uses:

Odd Days:

Block 1- 50 minutes
Block 3,5,7- 100 minutes

Even:
Block 1- 50 minutes
Block 2,4,6- 100 minutes

You end up seeing block 1 every day for 50 minutes, then seeing the others every other day depending on date (even.odd)

I like seeing my kids for a shorter amount of time, but every day, that way, I can pick up where I left off. Now, the kids have to remember what was done a day ago, re-learn if necessary, and extend when the teacher allows. There are pros and cons. Your school will have to provide some training to ensure that this rollout goes smoothly.
Good luck!

[Unregistered]

Been teaching in block scheduling for 11 years; we see the students everyday for half the year. Then they switch to 4 new classes for the Spring semester. Pros: more time for in-depth and project based learning; must be able to vary activities within the time frame (cannot lecture for 1.5 hours!!!) Cons: some students cannot retain or have difficulty retaining knowledge for a consecutive class (ie. foreign language, math) from Fall semester of one year until Spring semester of second year.

I don't know that I would be able to teach in a 45 minute segment anymore.

[Unregistered]

Palo Alto High School's newpaper just published an editorial advocating a four-day block over other alternates, including two-day blocks and later starts.

http://voice.paly.net/view_story.php?mode=preview&id=6409

[Unregistered]

I have been teaching on block scheduling for 8 years, and I love it. Kids like the variety, and it can create opportunities to broaden the curriculum.

[Unregistered]

It makes athletics, band, and choir very difficult. You loose about 3days of instruction time evey 6 weeks so it is difficult for kids in Algebra. I like the extra time to work on projects and hands on type of things.

Block scheduling ...We've been on block for 10 years. It gives me fewer papers to grade...but....ninety-minutes is a very long time. You will have to plan for three to four separate activities or more to keep the kids from tying you up and setting fire to the rope.
REmember that most people have a twenty-minute attention span, at best, so it takes a lot of getting used to. It's great for hands on classes (art, music, PE, agriculture etc)but for the core classes, it can sometimes be a heavy burden. If you're reading a novel, a lot can be read in class, but grammar, sentence structure and other various exercises will have to be split up into several groups of things.
I think it comes down to an entirely new way to create lesson plans and it takes a lot more time.

[Student]

As a student who has experienced both types of scheduling, I am completely for block scheduling over a 6+ class day.

With more classes comes more homework, and it is so much harder for students to get homework from 7 or so classes done, plus some are involved in extracurricular activities. Promoting extracurriculars is great and something that every teacher does and very well should do, but it's hard for some to give homework when they know that a large portion of their class has a lot of practice that night for a game, or maybe they're going to a tournament and the teacher feels as if they should go lighter on the homework than what the class might need at the time. Also, in high school especially, I believe that new ideas need a lot of time to be introduced, shown with examples, have some questions answered, try examples with the class, and then start putting the concepts into practice. In a 45-ish minute class, how could a teacher possibly expect to teach an idea and have the class understand it and then give homework and practice work all at one time?

Block scheduling allows my teachers to lecture for an hour or so, and work with us on any problems or new ideas we may be confused on. I have 4 85 minute classes a day. My core classes last one term, and my electives, depending on the class, are either every day for a quarter, every other day for a term, or every other day for the entire year. I love having different days where I can take a break from gym, and rather than running around and getting all sweaty every day of the week, I get a couple days to sit in a classroom and learn how to draw beautiful pictures. It's great to switch the scenery a little, and I don't get restless and bored with my elective classes. I also LOVE how I have enough time to ask my instructors questions about things I'm not understanding, and that way I can actually go home and do my homework, rather than leaving the classroom without fully "getting" what was going on, for lack of time to explain.

[Unregistered]

My school uses block schedule...but when it comes time for EOI testing we do not have ample instruction before taking it....like for instance i am in alg 2...we are taking our EOI a month b4 school is out

[tru24m]

:)I taught a regular 8 periods last year then moved out of state to the high school I'm currently at now. They have block schedules and I'm loving life. I will never switch from block schedules if I can help it. Being an English teacher, I hated having a normal 50 minute class to get started, cover material and get finished. It was almost like "hello, sit down, here's a few minutes of instruction, here's your assignment, here's your homework (from the assignment we didn't have time to do), and goodbye." It was like a mad rush and I never felt like we got through what needed to get through.

This year I have tons of time, which leads to getting everything done, actually discussing material, and having time every day for a 20-minute daily writing prompt at the beginning of each class. I wouldn't trade this for the world.

The only drawback is that I am a teacher who makes powerfully strong bonds with my students. Having to say goodbye to them halfway through the school year was rough, and it was rough to have to get connected to a whole new bunch of kids, again not knowing much about them. The flip side of that coin is this; I had a handful of real idiots that I would have thrown off the earth if I could have, and getting rid of them was so cool and majorly refreshing.

Another plus of block scheduling for me was the fact that I just recycled everything I just did with my 4 previous classes. This was great because it let me tweak and improve on lessons without having to wait a whole year and running the risk of forgetting what I wanted to do different. Getting to repeat my units so quickly also allowed me to improvise and make things more fun for me and for my students. If you have the same prep, blocks are a lifesaver. I am coasting the second half of this year. It's like Groundhog's day, only cooler and more fun.

Good luck with yours;)

[Courtany]

I am from Fort Wayne, IN and I am doing a debate about block scheduling and I need some feed back from teachers around the world on it. I have already got the comments you have last posted but some more would be great. If you can give me some of your thoughts about it that would really help me out. Alls I need to know is if you like it or if you have don't like it, then just give me some feedback of why you do or don't. Thanks for your time and I really hope someone sends me some information. Thanks!

[Unregistered]

I'm a junior in HS, for the past 5-6 years my HS was on a block 4. It was great druing my fresh. Soph. years.

classes seemed to pass, the year seemed shorter, (cause of the switch half way). 90 min. time was pretty good gave you time for the lesson then 30 or so to START the hmwrk assignment, that way any ?'s could be asked before end of class. The only down side was not having a certain subject for up to a year and a half (using math as example if you had it AB Quarters, and then not again till CD next year)

however this year my school decided a block 8 schedule would work better.

so now i have all 16 blocks (except 1/2 sem. classes) all year just every other day.

I think the district has realized what a mistake they made. Block 8 is supposed to bring up grades, and test schores etc.

testing scores may increase, however grades are dropping like crazy. Because teachers are used to teaching in 1/2 a year, now that we only see them every other day, they have this feeling of giving us more homework cuz we have more time to complete, however the teachers from the opposite day are doing the same so were having double the load, plus stuff is being crammed in like crazy. its hard to remember even what as completed the other day and we now spend 1/2 the class reviewing the previous day and then only sometime for the days lesson and no time for questions. Additionally... i have noticed mass confusion. Our "grading period" is done next week. However it isnt even a "A quarter" grade its only a progress. our grades should still "roll" till January. however some teachers/students think this is a "Report Card Grade" and others think that we have over 8 grades that will be averaged for a final year grade etc. There is major confusion... not to mention we are moving to our new school in Jan. 6 days before our Mass numbers of FINAL exams that are now taken at once, confrences have been messed up with contract days, plan periods have to be "bought" ETC. THIS IS JUST A MESS

SHORT AND SWEET, BLOCK 8 IS HORRIBLE!

BLOCK 4 IS GREAT!

[Unregistered]

you are correct in that teachers need to be trained to teach the block - but personally, I LOVE IT! Lots of time for hands-on activities, read-alouds - neat stuff. if you know teachers who are struggling with the block - check out looneyteachr.com for ideas!!!

[Unregistered]

see looneyteachr.com for ideas on teaching the block