April 2000- Thoughts on Block Scheduling

I am a teacher at a school that has just started using block sheduling this school year 1999-2000. Our school district really did not have a choice. Now, other schools in the area are thinking of using the block as well and have visited our classes in our school to see if they like it. I really don't they have a choice either.

Our schedule starts at 7:53am, which is the first block and ends at 9:13am. There is always an eight minute passing time between classes. The next block starts at 9:21am- 10:41am. After Block 2, we start Block 3, where students take certain paths such as A, B, and C. These are for lunches. Some students go to class for 40 mins, than break for lunch for 30 mins. They can leave their books in the classroom. This is also when we have our sheduled lunch with is duty free. After lunch they come back and finish the rest of the block. Block 4 starts at 12:55pm to 2:17pm. If we are giving a test, we make sure they have it done before lunch or give it after lunch so we can review before the test if class falls in a lunch block.

On certain days, students will have Foreign Language, Math, Science, English and on day 2 they will have Art, Global, Music, Study Hall for 40mins and gym of 40min all in the same block or Science Lab. Each year they have an option for electives like Journalism, Health etc, so each student does take all the required classes at some time though out their school years.

If you ask our students at our school if they like Block Scheduling, you will get many answers from yes to no so there is definitely mixed feelings. Some reasons are are good, and others are a waste of time to hear and just plain silly, like we don't get homework for 1 whole day.

Though my observations in classes such as art, I think the block is a great. There is much more time to work on projects, and really let your creativeness flow. The teacher has more time to show art videos, which are usually are 1-2 hours long. Show transparencies on an overhead about art history and other Art related materials. More time to work on computer programs such as Photoshop.This form of teaching might be good, since there is talks of making this class more reading and writing and having an Art Regents Exam( NY state only)This class should be about hands on work, not text based. Students learn best about drawing perspectives when they are actually do them.There is more time for 1 on 1 with the art student and teacher.

Some problems though out our school with the teachers is that, they feel that are behind in the work load compared to last year without the block.

We use the day 1 day 2 shedule as well, and sometimes we don't see the kids for a few days, and the students forget homework and to study for quizes and tests. Also in our area we have a lot of snow days, so sometimes we don't see our students for many days if we lose a snow day. Each Block is compared to 2 days worth of time. Also, it is hard of kids who are absent frequently to find the time to get caught up. Also, 9th graders have a hard time staying focused and still for 80 mins. So, these are some things to think about.

Opiniones from Teachers

Quote form a Math teacher on his feeling on Block Scheduling: " You know when you think about what it would feel like if a needle was being put in your eyes, well that is what I think of Block Scheduling"

Quote from a Math Teacher on his feeling on Block Scheduling: " You know that feeling you feel when you hear about Hilter, that is what I think of Block Scheduling"

More to come- est300@hotmail.com e-mail with any coments or share your story of Block Scheduling.