J U N E 2 0 1 4 BOA R D O F E D U C AT I O N R E P O RT

MODIFIED BLOCK SCHEDULING

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OVERVIEW

• Block scheduling normally doubles the length of classes.• In a Modified Block, only part of the week is

blocked leaving the rest of the days to a traditional schedule.• Complete block schedules are expensive due to

increased plan time. Modified Block does not increase plan time or costs.• All secondary buildings piloted this Modified Block

in March because teachers requested we investigate implementing it.

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EXAMPLE FROM PILOT

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RATIONALE

• The increased class time allows for greater continuity and less transition on Wednesdays which currently have 30 minute classes.• The longer classes allow for teachers to plan for

lessons requiring extended time frames. This is in line with the types of activities encouraged by the new learning standards.• Our curriculum writers want to design tasks that

require extended periods of time to complete. This schedule will help make these lessons possible.

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PROS

• Extended periods allow for longer and more engaging lessons. Labs in science, meals in cooking classes and projects in art are all better in a longer period as well.• Fewer periods in the day means fewer transitions

and unstructured time. Class time is always wasted in transition and discipline events normally happen in unstructured times.• It is easier to differentiate lessons when there is

more time allotted.• This is a teacher driven initiative.

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CONS

• Lesson plans will have to be modified to be successful in the longer periods.

• PD will have to be provided to train teachers in the new format of teaching.

• Teachers will have the same amount of plan time in a week, but they will have one day without a plan time. One day will have a plan time twice as long as normal.

• Specific lessons will have to be created for the long periods.• Missing a block day for snow can create planning problems for

teachers.• Performance classes prefer to have student every day so they

are practicing more regularly.• 25% of teachers are not in favor of moving to Modified Block

Scheduling.

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STAFF INPUT

• 4 of the 5 secondary buildings had strong consensus to move to Modified Block.• 1 school was apprehensive but also feels this is

the best direction for the district and supports the change.• We surveyed all secondary teachers. According to

the survey:• 74% felt it will benefit their content area.• 74% saw a benefit to fewer transitions• 53% felt they need more PD in Behavior Management• 52% felt they need more PD in writing engaging

scenarios

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NEXT STEPS

• Develop a Block Schedule Advisory Council to direct the efforts of implementing Modified Block for the 2015-2016 school year.• Curriculum writers will work to create one

engaging scenario per week for teachers to use on block days.• PD will be developed and delivered during the

2014-2015 school year to train teachers on instructional strategies for teaching in a block schedule.