The Block Schedule

1. The Block Schedule There is discussion on what the best schedule is for the High Schools in The Gadsden Independent School District. The following pages will present information pertinent to the discussion.

2. Issues in considering schedule change at GHS Context: Due to the budget issue, GISD is considering viable options to save funds. Changing the High School schedule has been mentioned as one of those options. Context: School Improvement literature (NASSP, HSTW, Schlechty) strongly encourage that Stakeholders be included in decision making process. • Are we including staff, students, and parents in the decision making process? • Does each school have the flexibility to tailor instruction to fit school dynamics? • How are students going to be affected by this change? • Positive Public Relations is an issue, is this something we want to do at this time? The Staff at GHS perceive that they have been given little or no input on many issues such as curriculum and instruction. An argument has also been presented that the 4x4 does not work. We feel that test results are not reflective of the schedule. There has not been enough time given to accumulate and analyze Data. Context: At GHS, there have been 4 different types of schedule in 4 years; A new schedule would make 5 types of schedule in 5 years. As you can see, there has been no continuity in the schedule. 05-06 - Traditional 4x4 06-07 - 4x4 with modified “45 min. skinnies” for Freshmen. 07-08 - 4x4 AB schedule for 9-10-11 and 4x4 for Seniors 08-09 – 4x4 with AB for Freshmen.

3. Block 32 possible credits in 4 years. 8 Classes per year - more intense immersion for instruction. Higher G.P.A. More elective options College Prep schedule (Encourage a college going culture because students have time to take college classes.) 75-90 students per day More time for individual contact. Manageable Homework Flexibility for failures 3 class transitions (18 min) Higher graduation rates Lower Drop Out Rate Lower Discipline Rates (Last 3 Years at GHS) More requirements from the State for Graduation. 7 Period 28 possible credits in 4 years 7 classes per year Less Elective options Assembly line schedule 150-180 students per day Less time for individual contact. 43% More Homework No flexibility for failures 6 class transitions (36 min) Lower Graduation rates More 5th year seniors. More students to DPA More Drop Outs More Suspensions & Discipline. Comparisons between Block and 7 period day.

4. Block Career Technical options Room for change 8 extra classes for careers & accelerated/articulated courses. (Dual credit) Options for HTSW modifications. I.e. catch up courses. Double block at risk students get double the remediation. Room for AP courses and electives Time for “labs” 7 period day One Career Tech Option No room for change. Less choice Time limits for articulated courses. No options. No room for AP options. Must Double Block “labs” Lose another elective Comparisons between Block and 7 period day.

5. Block GHS Facility not amenable to transitions due to age and size of campus. Largest student population 8 communities (Rural) 1% of students drive Large ELL population One set of textbooks for 2 sets of students per year. Timely/efficient/ fair use of activity periods and facilities. Title IX issues. Students get home at a reasonable time. Activity buses run at 6:15 7 period day CHS/STHS Have Newer facilities. CHS/STHS have Smaller student populations One community Large ELL population 3 more classes = Need more textbooks all year. Because of Compacting of activities, time, and facilities. Students get to school earlier & home later with more homework. Need Am Activity buses, Need later PM Activity buses. Comparisons between Block and 7 period day.

6. Block 90 minute block during prep for ON CAMPUS teacher training. Good teachers pace instruction. Less experienced/trained teachers don’t use time effectively. Instructional Time: 90 min 90 min x 92 days = 8,280 minutes of instruction. 15 min admin functions per class x 92 = 1,380 minutes of non-instruction. (10 at beginning & 5 at end period.) 8,280MI – 1,380NI = 6900 total minutes of instruction. 6900 divided by 92 days = 75 + minutes per day of instruction 7,320 (7 period) - 6,900 = - 420 minutes per year on Block 7 Period 45 minute prep for training. ? Good teachers make most of time. Less effective teachers can hide more easily. Instructional Time: 55 min 55 x 183 = 10,065 minutes of instruction. 15 min admin functions x 183 = 2,745 minutes of non-instruction. (10 at beginning & 5 at the end.) 10,065MI – 2,745 NI= 7,320total minutes of instruction. 7,320 divided by 183 days =40 minutes per day of instruction. 7,320 (7p) – 6,900 (blk) = + 420 minutes per (183 days) year or 2.2 minutes a day more instruction on 7 period. Comparisons between Block and 7 period day

7. Block Testing scores are coming up at GHS. Gaps between core subject and testing windows. Training is occurring right now at GHS to imbed Numeracy and Literacy across the curriculum to alleviate the “gap” issue on testing. Have time & flexibility for tutorial courses if needed. 7 Period Research shows no significant difference. In core subject all year. Facilitates preparation for testing because in class all year. Comparisons between Block and 7 period day

8. Block Behavior Modification Program – MAAP Safety and attendance escorts to class. Tutoring and positive credit recovery per class. Possible “school within school”. Flexibility with Sped issues. 7 Period Due to the compacted class schedule, Students will have to stay in the intervention room all day and miss vital instruction. Cannot continue as structured due to time constraints for students who are escorted to class for safety and attendance issues. Transitions are major issue with no SRO on campus. Comparisons between Block and 7 period day

9. Conclusion GHS is very aware of the financial issues facing the District and supports prudent measures to alleviate our financial issues. GHS would prefer to keep and modify the 4x4 schedule as a powerful tool to promote student success and further develop teacher instructional capacity. Options: Modify the Block and maintain consistency for at least 3 years. 7 period day, change to yet another schedule. 4 Day work week (4-5 period day)