Transcript Flexible Scheduling

Highlights from the Fall 2012 BHS Professional
Development Academy and
Proposed New Schedules for BHS
1. To research and discuss scheduling practices
among the best high schools in the nation
 http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/feat
ures/2012/americas-best-high-schools.html
2. To reflect on how our current schedule is
meeting the academic and instructional needs
of our students
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1. What are the benefits of the current
schedule we have?
2. What are the challenges or least desirable
aspects of this schedule?
3. Going forward, what are some features we
want to consider or include in our daily
instructional schedule?
1.Researched scheduling practices in other
high schools and brought ideas and practices
from those school to discuss.
2. Discussed the opportunities and challenges
of each practice.
3.Discussed instructional value of each practice
4. Identified practices to submit for
consideration at BHS
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A unique and creative way to increase high
school course offerings by creating additional
instructional times outside of the traditional
high school instructional day.
Can be accomplished through a 0 period
(early morning class), a 9th period
(afterschool), or Saturday classes.
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Electives
Virtual classes
Creative and Performing Arts
Remediation
Enrichment
Library/research time
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A combination of traditional and block
schedule
Gives teachers the flexibility to conduct their
classes in a time schedule that suits their
curriculum
Many high-ranking high schools use some
type of hybrid schedule
Hybrid schedules often include designated
times for enrichment and remediation
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and
Technology
Western Abemarle High School
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
Glynn County High School
George Mason High School
Ridgewood High School (NJ)
Monta Vista High School
Northside College Prep
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Personal Finance course required for all
current 9th and 10th graders – how are we
going to fit this into student schedules?
Virtual course required for all current 9th
graders
Lunch …2 periods or 3 periods? How long do
lunches need to be? Should all students have
a lunch?
Use of time before and after school
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We discussed and analyzed different
scheduling practices
We looked at survey from faculty, students
and parents on scheduling practices
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While an 8-period traditional schedule is still
preferable to some, many teachers find it
limits the opportunities for lengthier activities
and labs
38% of faculty surveyed feel our schedule
does not meet the instructional needs of our
students
54% of faculty surveyed believe one 90minute block period a week for each class
would be better accommodate labs and
lengthier activities
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Continuity and consistency are important,
therefore courses need to meet all year, and
at least 4 days out of five
57% of teachers think the most effective
learning occurs when they see their students
in class everyday
60% think 4 out of 5 days provides enough
consistency for adequate learning
We do not want a pure block schedule at BHS
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All students need to have a lunch (not in class)
78% of parents and 75% of students believe it is
important for students to have a lunch period
97% of teachers think it is important for
students to have a lunch period
An ideal lunch period is 30 minutes
Students should be able to take 8 classes and
have a lunch period
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Many students need more time in the day for
remediation, extra help, and making up tests
and quizzes
On an 8-period day, students could opt to
take 7 classes and have a structured study
hall or remediation period where they work
with a teacher
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Taking eight classes a year is important to
many students at BHS
69% of students surveyed want the ability to
take eight classes a year
58% of students surveyed want the ability to
take eight classes a year AND have a lunch
period
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While the idea of a 0 or 9th period might
benefit some students, it is not an optimal
solution for improvement because it can only
be offered to students who can provide their
own transportation.
0 and 9th periods would be limited to only
certain courses
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While most students, parents and many
faculty expressed a desire for a later start
time, it is not possible if we also want 8
periods plus a designated lunch period.
41% of students, 57% of parents and 66% of
faculty agreed that a slightly longer school
day (7:30 – 2:35) is acceptable if it
accommodates 8 classes with a lunch
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(see handout)
Three traditional 8 period days in a week
Two block days (one A, the other B)
All classes meet 4 times during the week (3
times for 45 minutes, once for 95 minutes)
Students can tale eight classes OR take 7
classes and have a study hall
All students have a 25-minute lunch period
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7-period traditional schedule with a 0 period
and 8th period afterschool (see handout)
8-period traditional schedule (see handout)
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Will require a meeting with the
Superintendent, Director of Secondary
Education and the Supervisor of
Transportation to discuss the feasibility and
logistics of implementation
At this time we will continue to gather input
and feedback from faculty, parents and
students