HIT->intensive scheduling

[Peter Genco <fairview@IU05TRC.TRINET.K12.PA.US>]

On 11/1/94 I asked the following:

My school district is exploring intensive (or block) scheduling.  The
possibilities are being examined first for the 9-12 high school. (Approx.
550 students/40 teachers) We are in need of samples, ideas, documents, etc.
on intensive scheduling.  We are also considering other forms of innovative
scheduling.  If you have anything to share, please send short responses to
me directly via e-mail.  FAX and mailing address are provided for other
materials. We would also be interested in any school that changed from
traditional scheduling and then changed back, why it didn't work, reasons,
etc. I would also like to know how it fits into the library media program.

Here are the responses:

1.I might add that my nieces are in a high school which is using block
scheduling and they like it very much.  They have fewer assignments per
day to deal with and a longer period of time to concentrate on one topic.
Our high school currently has a double block period in which two teachers
are doing some creative activities.  I can supply more details if you're
interested.
Kay Maynard
Canton High School
Canton, IL
cant@darkstar.rsa.lib.il.us

2. You could contact the Pattonville School District in St. Louis, MO.  Dr.
Glore is the high school principal and would be glad to speak with you.
They have used an 8-block day for 2 years, I think.  Hope this helps.
  Mary Jameson
  Troy R-III High School
  Troy, MO 63379
  mjameson@services.dese.state.mo.us

3. Our high school switched from a traditional schedule to 80-minute
block scheduling of 8 periods, 4 0f which meet on alternate days.  The
impact on library usage was dramatic--expect a large increase of use by
teachers with classes.  The longer periods makes it possible for library
staff to "check in" with every student to be sure he/she has found
appropriate resources for their research.   Debbie Locke, Westbrook H.S.,
Westbrook, Maine

4. We are in our second year of block scheduling.  It means different things
to different schools.  For us, it means a four period day with teachers
teaching three of the four periods.  So every teacher has a 90-minute
planning period.  Courses run for one semester.  They get an entirely new
schedule the second semester.  It gives students a chance to earn 8
credits instead of 7 under the old system.  Everyone has adjusted toit
and there is no talk of going back to the old schedule.  There are less
hallway class changes so there are less referrals and less chance to be
late to class.  It was rough on the teachers the first year to adjust
their planning. Some said it was like being a first year teacher all
over.  They were told to have 3-4 activities in a 90-minute period.  90
minute lectures do not work. As far as the library is concerned, I think
they bring the kids to the library more.  It provides an opportunity to vary
instruction.  I try to stress that they shouldn't stay 90-minutes. They
should come for 45 less in order to breakup activities in the classroom.
Sandy Doggett, Linganore High School, Frederick, Maryland

5. Our high school is in the 3rd year of a block schedule. There
are still mixed reactions. Contact Meri Olmstead, Library
Media Specialist at 503-963-1971 for more information.

6. I received 24 pages of citations from ERIC - on scheduling-
this week through their ASKERIC service. Mary Stallings, Poquoson High
School, Poquoson, Virginia mstallin@pen.k12.va.us

7. Our school has gone to a two period day with a half hour for tutorials
(Copernican timetable). Kids take two classes at a time for a period of
9-10 1/2 weeks. We adopted this timetable after being on a five-period
day. After the term is up, students write final exams then move onto
another two subjects. There are four terms during the year. We're just
completing the first term of our first year. So far most of the teachers
and kids like it. Can let you know more about our impressions if you're
interested.
Evelyn Wood
Agassiz Secondary School
Agassiz, B.C.
Canada

8. The high school where my son goes has a block schedule.  They have 90
minue classes and alternating purple and white days.  Everyone seems to
like it including the library media specialists who have a full 90
minutes for a class to do more meaningful work than the short crowd-em in
and shove them out schedule.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+  David V. Loertscher          "Library Media Specialists   +
+  President-Elect, AASL         Make a Difference."         +
+  <DavidL@csn.org>                                          +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Thank You to everyone that helped out in this matter.  Ask ERIC was aslo a
BIG help.

Peter
PETER GENCO
LIBRARIAN/GERMAN TEACHER
FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
7460 MCCRAY ROAD
FAIRVIEW, PA 16415, USA
PHONE: (814) 474 1369
  FAX: (814) 474 1115
email: fairview@iu05trc.trinet.k12.pa.us