In my never ending quest for improved student achievement I have read in an article that block scheduling has given positive results on student achievement. However, the research in the article was not about block scheduling and there was no data regarding block scheduling, it was just a suggestion on one way to decrease same grade student retention.
I have looked in several databases to find research on block scheduling. Everything I have come across is either 1.) old research and 2.) research based on post-secondary education or high school. Has anyone come across any recent research indicating that block scheduling may be beneficial in the middle school grades 6-8 setting?
In my opinion, as we move towards more project based learning and interdisciplinary lessons the way the students would be able to achieve the work completion needed in class would be through block scheduling. I can see where block scheduling would be a benefit but I would like the research to back up my theory.
I look forward to hearing any input that you all may have on the topic.
TBraddy, I too would like to know more about block schedule. I am in a high school where we currently have 6 periods a day. Block schedule has been an idea tossed around recently because students can get 4 credits a semester rather than 3. This would help tremendously with graduation. I do know Peachtree Ridge high school is on block schedule and a few administrators from my school will be visiting them early spring semester to find out more information/details. Not sure if you want to but you may want to reach out to them and inquire. I will be interested to read what others will say about this post.
ReplyDeleteThe first school I was in was block scheduling. I feel there are benefits as well as downfalls. The benefits if found would be longer class periods to get in more hands on learning, differentiate the learning, and more project-based learning. It also depends on if you are on a four block schedule or and eight block schedule. Eight block you see the students all year but they come to you every other day and the four block you see them every day but only in one semester. We were on a four block and the downfalls I found were that the students would come to you in August, finish the course in December and may not take the next level until the following January of the following school year. That is two semesters that they do not even see the material. They lose a lot of information in that amount of time.
ReplyDeleteAs an Academy School, we started Alternate A/B day Block Scheduling for this school year. This is not scientific, but my observation thus far is that for the population that we serve, block scheduling is a better option. We have noticed as a school because of less movement, attendance is up, discipline is down, the number of panels at the same time compared to last year are way down, and teachers are spending much more time going deeper into their content. Our biggest challenge is supporting teachers on how to pace themselves and teach on a 90 minute block. Our high flying teachers love the block schedule. During my walkthroughs, I have noticed that there are a lot more project based learning going on and lots of hands on. Working as the curriculum AP, I find that one way to support the teachers with regards to the alternate schedule or not seeing their students everyday is creating a teaching schedule for our critical needs areas. For example, my Algebra I teachers see their students everyday. That's because I build a master where all Algebra I students are taking Algebra I on A Day and Strategies on B Day with the same teacher
ReplyDelete