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Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

Block Scheduling in Baldwin County. The Past, Present, and Future. Presentation to the Baldwin County Board of Education June 13, 2005 Presented by the BCPS Block Scheduling Task Force. Block Scheduling Task Force. Pam Henson Director of Instructional Support (Science)

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Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

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  1. Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Past, Present, and Future Presentation to the Baldwin County Board of Education June 13, 2005 Presented by the BCPS Block Scheduling Task Force Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  2. Block Scheduling Task Force Pam Henson Director of Instructional Support (Science) Cale Ebert Chair of Task Force, Supervisor (Math) Chuck Anderson Supervisor (Physical Education) Julia Bryant NBCT Counselor Lee Cleveland DPHS Counselor (English) Cathy Danner RBDH Library Media Specialist (Math) Nancy Danley Secondary Coordinator (English) Cheryl Knutsen Career Tech Supervisor Marty McRae FHPH Assistant Principal (Math) Jim Luckey BCHS Counselor Beverly Spondike SPHS Assistant Principal (Foreign Language) Tommy Rhodes Career Tech Coordinator Eddie Tyler GSHS Principal (Physical Education) Beverly Wenzel FLYH Library Media Specialist (English) Joyce Woodburn Supervisor (Counselor, Social Studies) Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  3. The Past • 1993 – STACom formed to research alternatives to 6-period schedule • BCBE approved STACom recommendation of block if at least 70% of teachers in favor. • Teacher vote = 81% in favor of block Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  4. The Past • 1994 – STACom developed the Blue Book guidelines • Summer 1995 – extensive teacher training • 1995-96 – first year of implementation • New course offerings and diploma requirements Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  5. The Past • 1996-97 First evaluation of block schedule STACom concerns • Overloaded classes – imbalance of schedule • Poor attendance and excessive check outs • Career/Tech Education in need of improvement • Honors Diploma needed • Electives needed for students who fail AHSGE • Teacher training needed – use BCPS teachers as trainers Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  6. The Past • 1996-97 First evaluation of block schedule STACom concerns • Still too many class interruptions • Need more science courses • Need summer/night school requirement • Should discontinue Keyboarding/Study Skills • Expand Health to 1-term course • Blue Book revised Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  7. The Past • May 2000 – Committee formed to study block schedule • Met twice – May and July of 2000 • Recommended more teacher training and the hiring of a consultant to gather data • No further meetings Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  8. The Present • Changes made since 1997 • Overloaded classes – imbalance of schedule • Still a concern • Poor attendance and excessive check outs • Still a concern • Career Tech Program in need of improvement • Changes made due to new Course of Study • Honors Diploma needed • Implemented • Electives needed for those who fail AHSGE • Prep Assistance classes implemented • Teacher training needed • Still a concern Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  9. The Present • Changes made since 1997 • Still too many class interruptions • Still a concern • Need more science courses • Added Earth, Environmental, Regular Marine, Advanced Chemistry • Need summer/night school requirement • Still a concern • Should discontinue Keyboarding/Study Skills • Implemented Computer Competency Checklist • Expand Health to 1-term course • Still a concern Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  10. The Present • Changes made since 1997 • Dual Enrollment • Algebra for Mastery • Academies Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  11. The Present • Attendance/Grades Correlation • Town Meeting Surveys • Teacher Surveys • Data from other AL school systems • The Benefits of Extended Time Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  12. The Future – Task ForceRecommendations Consistent teacher training • Needed to help teachers be more effective. • Require for teachers who are not using the block effectively. • Must be provided continuously. • Use our teachers as presenters. Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  13. The Future – Task Force Recommendations Attendance Issues • Require summer school for students who fail courses – funded by the school system (see English chart) • Final exam exemption incentive for seniors only. • Determine a terminal entrance date for students over 16 years of age. • More rigorous guidelines for make up work • Trips unrelated to school activities should be counted as absences. • NEED an “academic” attendance policy Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  14. The Future – Task Force Recommendations Courses and Scheduling • Keep the block! • Research the feasibility of modifying the block for certain courses (e.g. AP, foreign language, math). • Provide training for high school administrative teams in developing a master schedule. • Expand Health to an 18-week course. • Follow guidelines for class interruptions. • Discontinue “teacher assistant” as a course. Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  15. Budget Implications Health as a 1-term course • Implement Fall 2006 • 7 Health teachers @ $64,000 each • 7 Driver’s Ed teachers @ $64,000 each • Total = $896,000 • Require Summer School • For students who fail core courses during the regular school year. • 30 teachers @ $116 per day for 24 days • Total = $85,000 Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  16. Questions& Comments Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  17. Only 21% of these students made up their credit in summer school. Therefore, schools had to reschedule 234 students for 9th and 11th grade English in 2004-2005. 2.33 teacher units = 234 students = 8 classes used for students who did not go to summer school. Back to the Present n = 66 students n = 237 students Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  18. Students have more time to focus on their studies since they only take four subjects. • Similar to college class duration • Many opportunities for in-depth study • Elective and advanced course offerings Town Meeting Survey“What do you like about block?” #1 ANSWER: Other Comments Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  19. Back to the Present Town Meeting Survey“What are your concerns about block?” • Too much time exists between sequenced courses like foreign language and mathematics. • Students have too much free time in class and are allowed to do all of their homework in class. • Short attention span leads to boredom, which leads to discipline problems. • One term is not enough time to learn good writing skills. • Because of the fast pace, students are memorizing information rather than understanding it. Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  20. find the block to meet the needs of their students. teach the required course objectives. struggle with classroom discipline. participate in workshops related to teaching in the block. use class time wisely. transition activities to keep their students focused. incorporate hands-on activities. Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  21. Back to the Present are able to focus on their studies.” are able to finish their homework in class.” have difficulty transitioning from middle to high school.” have time to learn adequate writing and communication skills.” have difficulty in math and foreign language.” make up their work after an absence.” understand the importance of being in class everyday.” qualify for the final exam exemption.” Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  22. Back to the Present High Schools in Alabama 38% not on Block 62% on Block Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  23. Archaeology Robertsdale Read Across America RBDH to RBDE Extended Time Benefits Enrichment Activities Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  24. Information Technology Daphne High Extended Time Benefits Technology Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  25. Drama – Gulf Shores High Extended Time Benefits Symphonic Band - Foley High Fine Arts Art – Foley High Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  26. Extended Time Benefits Hands-On Learning Aquascience Fairhope High Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  27. Extended Time Benefits Hands-On Learning Environmental Science Baldwin Co High Fairhope High Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  28. Extended Time Benefits Hands-On Learning Pre-Engineering Baldwin Co High Fairhope High Spanish Fort High Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  29. Extended Time Benefits Hands-On Learning Culinary Arts Gulf Shores High Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  30. Extended Time Benefits Hands-On Learning Aviation Daphne High Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  31. Justice Academy Robertsdale High Back to the Present Extended Time Benefits Investigation Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  32. Back to Pie Chart On Block 2004-2005 Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

  33. Back to Pie Chart Not on Block 2004-2005 Block Scheduling in Baldwin County

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