BLOCK OR NOT Alternative Schedules to Support Increased

BLOCK OR NOT? Alternative Schedules to Support Increased Student Achievement Larry Tash Director of School Redesign, LAUSD February 8, 2008

Office of School Redesign www. lausd. net/slc_schools Larry. Tash@lausd. net

FIVE STEPS FOR SYSTEMIC CULTURE CHANGE Building vision, beliefs, and expectations Improving instructional practice Creating increased personalization Developing supporting structures Providing strong transitional support

Planning for Improved Student Achievement Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Personalization IMPROVED STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Structure

If Time is the Constant, then Learning is the Variable or If Time is the Variable, then Learning is the Constant

What Must You Consider? Instructional Goals Operational Goals Alternative Schedule Choices Advantages/Disadvantages Consideration (if any)

Block Schedule Preparation Operational Considerations: – Did you initiate faculty and community discussions acknowledging “Form Follows Function”? – Does the critical mass support Block Scheduling? – Have you considered flexible scheduling? – Have you considered all district and state policies? – Have you built in to your plan an ongoing evaluation process?

Block Schedule Preparation Instructional Considerations: – How will block schedule support improved student achievement? – Will the block increase student engagement in their learning? – Will the block allow for greater personalization? – Will sufficient time for teacher preparation be available? – Have you considered the negative aspects of block scheduling?

Traditional (Six Periods) Homeroom Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Period 6 Passing Total Minutes Traditional Year-Round 19 54 54 54 35 378 17 61 61 61 35 418

Alternative Schedule Activity: TRADITIONAL SCHEDULE Advantages Disadvantages

7 -Period Day Traditional Year-Round Homeroom 21 19 Period 1 46 52 Period 2 46 52 Period 3 46 52 Period 4 46 52 Period 5 46 52 Period 6 46 52 Period 7 46 52 Passing 35 35 378 418 Total Minutes

Alternative Schedule Activity: 7 -PERIOD DAY Advantages Disadvantages

8 -Period AB Block Traditional Year-Round Homeroom 18 18 Period 1/5 85 95 Period 2/6 85 95 Period 3/7 85 95 Period 4/8 85 95 Passing 20 20 378 418 Total Minutes

Alternative Schedule Activity: 8 -PERIOD AB BLOCK Advantages Disadvantages

4 x 4 Block (4 Periods/Quarter) Traditional Year-Round Homeroom 18 18 Block A 85 95 Block B 85 95 Block C 85 95 Block D 85 95 Passing 20 20 378 418 Total Minutes

Alternative Schedule Activity: 4 x 4 Block Advantages Disadvantages

8 -Period AB +1 Block or 4 x 4 +1 Block Traditional Year-Round Homeroom 18 18 Period 1/5 (A) 70 80 Period 2/6 (B) 70 80 Period 3/7 (C) 70 80 Period 4/8 (D) 70 80 Interv/Enrichment 55 55 Passing 25 25 378 418 Total Minutes

Alternative Schedule Activity: 4 X 4 +1 BLOCK Advantages Disadvantages

Alternative Schedule Activity: 8 AB +1 BLOCK Advantages Disadvantages

Rules of Engagement ü State Regulations ü Physical Education ü Union Contract ü School Staff and Community Mutual Support

Meeting P. E. Requirements