Synopses & Reviews
Lybbert combines an academic understanding with practical, hands-on experience as a principal at a high school to take you step-by-step through planning, adopting, and implementing block scheduling for your school. This guide walks you through five key steps: 1. organizing a plan of action, 2. identifying the reasons for change, 3. researching the issue thoroughly, 4. making the case to faculty, and 5. marketing the plan to outside stakeholders. Create less-stressful schedules, more time for learning, and flexibility in scheduling!
Synopsis
This practical book describes setting up block scheduling for middle and high schools in the United States. The author provides a planning guide that discusses probable barriers and sources of resistance, as well as strategies - which can be implemented in any school - for overcoming problems.
Synopsis
Shows how to create less-stressful schedules, more time for learning, and flexibility in scheduling. Walks you through five key steps: 1. organizing a plan of action, 2. identifying the reasons for change, 3. researching the issue thoroughly, 4. making the case to faculty, and 5. marketing the plan to outside stakeholders.
Table of Contents
The need to improve our schools : reform movement. Problems with traditional scheduling. Block scheduling as an alternative -- Understanding the block. Benefits of block scheduling. Block scheduling and better-quality instruction. Reduced discipline problems. Better attendance. Student success. School climate : stress and pace. Student/teacher interactions -- The alternating (A/B) block. Double blocking. A/B variations. Scheduling considerations -- The accelerated (4x4) block. Unique 4x4 benefits. Unique problems associated with the accelerated block. Staffing increases. Sequencing/retention. Year-long activities/athletics. Advanced Placement classes. 4x4 variations -- Modified blocks, trimesters, and other alternative schedules. Trimester plan. Trimester advantages. Trimester problems. Four-day weeks. Traditional schedule modifications. Five-period model. Mini-semesters -- Implementing block scheduling : key steps. Plan of action. Reasons for change. Research. Keeping the faculty informed. Outside stakeholders. Case study : North Charleston High School -- Teaching in the extended period. Segmenting daily lessons. Learning strategies. Help for teachers. Evaluating block scheduling. -- Overcoming barriers to implementation and ensuring success. Achievement issue. Transfers. Attendance. -- Rescheduling time for more effective schools. Resource A : Sample schedules. Resource B : Selected bibliography on block schedules.