Why Block Scheduling

The following is a short list on why many schools are moving to a block schedule.

Fragmented Instruction.
Some schools have as many as eight different periods a day. If we asked adults to change desks, jobs, bosses, workplaces and topics eight different times a day they would revolt. This fragmentation leaves little time for connections to be built between topics or reflection. Little time is left in one day to teach any subject in depth or have time for practice.

Impersonal, factory like environments.
The push to get kids through six, seven or eight classes a day does not give students or teachers a chance to develop the relationships that foster learning. While teachers may see as many as 180 students a day, students have to interact with eight different adults each day. If we are to truly meet the needs of the next generations of students, we must not leave students lost in a numbers crunch.

Discipline problems are caused by too many distractions.
Releasing thousands of teens into crowded hallways has the expected effect of creating conflicts. These are often carried into the classroom and soak up potential learning time. Cutting down on class interruptions would allow more time to teach and less disruptions.

Instructional Possibilities are limited.
In 43-55 minute periods present in many schools there is not enough time to start class, end class and expose students to the curriculum. This is a problem for labs, discussion, or any activity that might enhance the learning of students.

Traditional scheduling prohibits varying learning time for students.
Not all students learn at the same rate and the ridged traditional schedule does not allow for those students who need extra time. They fall behind and can often cause discipline problems for teachers thereby eating up more teaching time.

There are many goals for Block Scheduling

Reduce the number of classes that students must attend and prepare for each day.

Without lowering standards or punishing students who are gifted, provide flexible time for students who need more time to learn the material.

Increase the number of students who can be accelerated.

Reduce the number of courses that a teacher must prepare for each day.

Give teachers enough time to plan for both instruction and learning.

Reduce the number of distractions and class changes.

Provide more opportunities for students to take more courses.

Build stronger relationships between teachers and students.

Make school a less stressful, more pleasant place for students to attend and teachers to work.

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