Block scheduling/Jr.-Sr. High

["Adcock, Jo" <JOA@HORATIO.DMSC.K12.AR.US>]

We are a small 7-12 grade Jr.-Sr. high school with an enrollment of
350-400 students.  The school is looking at block scheduling - either
4 block or 8 block for grades 7-12.  Some are apprehensive on doing
the 7th-8th grade.

We need information on block schduling on the Jr. high level.  Does
it work well for this age student - pros & cons, etc.  Any
information would be appreciated.  Also, do you think block
scheduling is beneficial to the students, do they like it, does it
improve retention of a subject - on any grade level.  Do the teachers
like it - it would be good if you could tell me which departments
like it and which do not.  Any information would be appreciated.