A/B BLOCK SCHEDULING 2015-2016 BLOCK DISCUSSION Weve been - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

A/B BLOCK SCHEDULING 2015-2016

BLOCK DISCUSSION ● We’ve been discussing researching the block schedule since 2011-2012. ● A/B - Four-period day. ○ 84 minute block ○ All students must take 8 courses ■ Special circumstances (IEP students, AP Science students, etc.)

Why an Alternating-Day (A/B)Block? ● Continuity of instruction (full-year) ● 98% of graduates attending College ● Closely resembles college model

Schedule/academic changes 2014-2015 2015-2016 ● 8 Classes, 8 Locations ● 4 classes, 4 locations ● 28 minutes of travel ● 15 minutes of travel time time ● 25 min academic period ● Students have 44 min at the end of the day study-halls ● All students will receive ● Students take between 40 credits 32 and 40 credits ● No Credit at 8 abs. ● No Credit at 16 abs.

Instructional opportunity/strategies 2014-2015 2015-2016 ● Students/teachers prepare ● Students/teachers for 2-3 classes per day prepare for 5-6 classes ● Increased time allows for per day multiple and ● Limited time for differentiated activities varied instruction ● Longer class periods ● Time constraints limit provide opportunities for use of technology & technology integration Collaborative planning ● Collaborative lesson planning

Student Benefits 2015-2016 2014-2015 ● Students prepare for 4 ● Students prepare for 7- classes per night 9 classes per night ● Schedule will mimic ● Clubs, sports conflict more of a collegiate w/ after school help schedule ● Many transitions ● 10 credit AP Sciences throughout the day ● Fewer transitions ● Extra help available within the school day

Framework for Instruction (85): 10 min's - Do Now 15 min's - Direct instruction 10 min's - Whole class assessment (Q&A) 25 min's - collaborative group work / Small group guided instruction 15 min's - Independent assessments/practice 10 min's - Closure

EXAMPLE BLOCK (84- MINUTE BLOCK) BLOCK 1 7:30 - 8:54 HOMEROOM 8:54 - 8:59 BLOCK 2 9:03 - 10:27 EITHER Lunch 1 then BLOCK 3B (L-1) - 10:31 - 11:00, (Block 3B) - 11:04 - 12:28 OR BLOCK 3A then Lunch 2 (Block 3A) 10:31 - 11:55, (L-2) - 11:59 - 12:28 BLOCK 4 12:32 - 1:56 ACADEMIC STUDY HALL 2:00 - 2:25

Course Selection ● Students will choose a full schedule (40 credits). ● Allows for students to take multiple languages, multiple sciences, more electives. ● Allows for both semester and full-year electives.

Increased Elective Offerings ● English 4 possible new offerings ○ ● Science 3 possible new offerings ○ ● Social Studies 1 possible new elective ○ ● Music 4 possible new offerings ○ ● Business Expansion of the business offerings ○

Scheduling Flexibility Science courses will no longer be linked with Physical Education Courses ● Labs can happen in any class at a more natural point in the curriculum ● Because PE and Science courses are no longer linked they can be scheduled at anytime Seniors are no longer limited to taking courses within 7 periods because of senior study. Allows for more flexibility in the placement of courses.

What Are The Advantages? ● Allows for students to go into greater depth of material having more time on task with each subject area. ● Students will be able to take more courses (160 credits), enhancing their exposure to different disciplines. ● Allows students to focus on material from only four courses a night. ● Less conflicts in students schedules. Students will be able to double up in specific subject areas, especially those students who would like to take multiple sciences and/or languages. ● Better prepare students for a college environment.

Question and Answer? What questions do you have regarding next year and A/B Block Scheduling. BLOCK SCHEDULING WEBSITE https://sites.google.com/a/shoreregional. org/block-scheduling-information- site/home