BRHS Scheduling Work

2019

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Introduction: BOE Resolution - March 6, 2019 - Motion to explore updating the high school

schedule, with a recommendation from administration to the board by November 2019, for

implementation in SY 2020-21.

- Increasing AP options both in physical structure of schedule as well as course offerings; reduce

student AP conflicts.

- Year-round math, ELA and foreign language instruction continuity, elimination of gaps in

instruction that currently exist in 4x4 block.

- Increase total yearlong classroom time to facilitate best practice instruction (# of hours per

year of instruction in class, not length of class period necessarily)

- Enhance opportunities for cross curricular articulation and instruction; specific focus on reading

across curriculum.

- Reduce or maintain current high school class size.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Approach:❖ Meet with stakeholders- survey stakeholders

❖ Look at research available

❖ Research other models

❖ Analyze BRHS strengths & weaknesses

❖ Analyze BRHS achievement data

❖ Create mock schedules

❖ Implement immediate programs

❖ Make recommendation(s)

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Staff Meetings: March 18, April 1, May 20, July 17, July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 14,

Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 28, Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 & Dec. 17

Parent Meetings: April 10, May 21, June 27, July 17, July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 14,

Sept. 25, Oct. 2 & Nov. 20

Student Meetings: April 5, Sept. 26, Oct. 10 & Nov. 15

BOE CC Meetings: Feb. 20, May 30, July 9, Sept. 11, Oct. 8, Nov. 11

Schools visited/spoken with: Rancocas Valley, Burlington Township, New Egypt,

Ewing, Burlington City, Cherokee/Shawnee/Lenape, Montgomery, NBCRHS

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Models:❖ 4x4 Block Schedule - This is the current schedule the students of BRHS use. Each semester students

typically have four classes. These classes meet daily for one semester and final grades are issued at

the end of each semester. The length of each class is 80 minutes. Each class meets 90 school days

(half of the school year).

❖ Rotate & Drop Schedule - Students would have their classes run the entire school year. Final grades

would be issued at the conclusion of the entire school year. Each day a student would only meet

with six of their eight classes (3 before and 3 after lunch). Start times of morning classes will rotate

each day - as will the afternoon classes. Each class will meet during three out of every four days.

Two classes are dropped each day. The length of each class will be 57 minutes. Each class meets 135

school days.

❖ A/B Schedule - Students have an A day of classes and a B day of classes (all year long). Each day

would typically include four classes; for a total of eight classes throughout the year. Final grades are

issued at the conclusion of the entire school year for all eight classes. The length of each class is 80

minutes. Each class meets 90 school days.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Research found & consulted:❖ http://neatoday.org/2016/03/04/block-schedules-stress-buster/❖ http://www.schoolschedulingassociates.com/❖ http://www.schoolschedulingassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/handouts/High%20School.pdf❖ https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1207&context=diss❖ https://scholarworks.csustan.edu/bitstream/handle/011235813/942/WalkerT.summer2015.pdf?sequence=1❖ https://www.state.nj.us/education/AchieveNJ/teams/strat11/UCalRotatingClassesBellSchedule.pdf❖ http://chs.cranfordschools.org/assets/documents/adsR.pdf❖ https://www.livingston.org/cms/lib/NJ01000562/Centricity/Domain/1109/Rotating_Drop_Presenation_092412.pdf❖ http://sayrevillek12.net/UserFiles/Servers/Server_233762/File/Block%20Scheduling%20Advantages%20&%20Disadvantages.pdf❖ https://www.mansfieldisd.org/uploaded/main/departments/CIA/assets/MasterScheduleStudy/Research-OptimalSche

duling_Secondary.pdf❖ http://ronwilliamson.com/uploads/ScheduleAsAToolMay09.pdf❖ https://casn.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/resource_files/Hybrid_Bell_Schedule.pdf❖ https://www.bhprsd.org/domain/680❖ https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/codey-bill-establishing-later-school-start-time-pilot-program-advances/

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019About the research:❖ First to note is that there is minimal research regarding specific results from varied schedules

or utilizing common assessments.

❖ Secondly, there is virtually no research pertaining to districts that have changed from one

block format to another. Available research compares traditional schedules to forms of

block.

❖ Research agrees:

➢ A building schedule is not the most important factor in student achievement➢ Effective teaching is the most important factor in student achievement➢ Any schedule change needs to be addressed in a team approach where all stakeholders

understand the priorities, goals and direction of the change➢ Block schedules offer a higher degree of flexibility than traditional schedules - Hanover

Research➢ The most successful schools are comfortable examining practices and making

adjustments when necessary. - Williamson

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019From the research:❖ “A school’s schedule is not the most important factor in student achievement. There are so many other

variables. Given the enormous challenges around switching schedules, schools just need to understand that they’re not getting a cure-all.” - Rettig

❖ The results of this study showing varied student achievement on the Algebra I CRT...students tended to score higher when taught on a schedule type that ensures more time and more frequent instructional contact. - The Journal of Education Vol. 194, No. 2

❖ Continuous enrollment (in Algebra I) did contribute more to increasing the odds of bachelor degree completion than a simple credit increase in mathematics from three to four. - The Mathematics Educator 2010, Volume 20, No. 1

❖ A study conducted by Irmsher (1996) found that student-to-teacher interactions and relationships improved during a 4X4 block schedule.

❖ The results of this study suggest that students on a 4X4 block schedule do not outperform students on a traditional class schedule. In regards to continuous enrollment rates, this study does suggest that students who begin a high school that operates on a 4X4 block schedule are more likely to stay and graduate than students who begin a high school that operates on a traditional schedule. - Walker 2015

BRHS Scheduling Work 20194x4 Block Advantages:❖ Students only have to focus on 4 classes at one time. (5 if they forgo their Lunch/SH)

❖ Students can double up- ie: Spanish I & II in same year. (11.5 % students double up)

❖ Large blocks of instructional time

❖ More sections of classes = more elective exposure

❖ Prepares for College/University experience

4x4 Block Disadvantages:❖ Can have gaps in instruction

➢ Eng. 9 fall sem. freshman year & Eng. 10 spring sem. sophomore year

❖ Two NJSLA testing windows - due to two semesters

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Rotate & Drop Schedule Advantages:❖ Classes meet at different times each day❖ Year-long instruction (3 out of 4 days)❖ 57 minute class periods❖ No gaps between consecutive courses❖ One NJSLA testing window

Rotate & Drop Schedule Disadvantages:❖ Need to concentrate on 8 classes at once❖ Cannot double up in a year❖ Need for additional texts and supplies❖ Shared/Part-time staff issues❖ Seniors who fail do not have the second semester to retake a course

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019A/B Schedule Advantages:❖ Classes meet at different times each day❖ Easy to follow❖ Large blocks of instructional time

❖ No gaps between consecutive courses❖ One NJSLA testing window

A/B Schedule Disadvantages:❖ Need to concentrate on 8 classes at once❖ Cannot double up in a year❖ Need for additional texts and supplies❖ Seniors who fail do not have the second semester to retake a course

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Survey Summary:

❖ Survey open to students, staff and parents/guardians for two weeks

❖ Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

❖ Survey included 8th grade students and their parents/guardians

❖ 87 student responses, 30 staff responses, 186 parent/guardian responses

❖ 49% of student responses from current 11th graders

❖ 37% from 9th and 10th grade responses & 14% from 8th & 12th graders

❖ Have a strong understanding of how all 3 schedules work:

➢ 92% students

➢ 67% staff

➢ 85% parents/guardians

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Student survey results: (87 responses)

➢ 90% do not feel a class needs to meet all year

➢ 88% believe 80 minutes of instruction beneficial

➢ 72% don’t feel semesters = loss of content knowledge

➢ 97% prefer to finish a class in one semester

➢ 87% do not prefer to take classes every other day

➢ 87% feel it would be difficult to remember what class each day for

an A/B block or R&D schedule

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Student Comments: (32 comments submitted)❖ I believe our current schedule is very productive and efficient, therefore does not need to be changed.❖ The 4x4 schedule better prepares students for college because the schedules are very similarly structured.❖ The variety of classes during the year keep the kids fresh and interested.❖ Stick with the 4×4 schedule. The reason the parcc scores were low because the students didn't see them

as necessary.❖ Having to deal with 8 finals at the end of the year would be extremely tough and i’m not sure i could pass

all my finals if i had to take 8 at once.❖ I feel that homework would end up being a problem with more classes at a time.❖ Our current schedule let’s us double up on classes and take more of them and taking that away isn’t a

good idea and takes away opportunities.❖ A new schedule will not increase our PARCC scores. A new schedule will cause more stress amongst

students.❖ In my opinion having class consistently can improve standardized testing scores. Especially for certain

subjects like Math, World Language and English.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Student comments continued:

❖ Block scheduling has a higher graduation rate than the other three AND parcc testing is an inaccurate representation of students learning.

❖ We should not change our schedules, I like them the way they are. Regardless of what our test scores prove. Test scores don’t prove how smart we really are.

❖ For my years here at BRHS, I’ve always complimented the current schedule for how I am able to double up on classes or have the opportunity to do Co-Op. I benefit from being able to only have to study hard for 4 classes for a final instead of all 8, since I get busy.

❖ Please shorter periods on an A/B schedule❖ Rotate and drop schedule would be very chaotic and confusing. A/B schedules

don't sound too bad, but it can be overwhelming to have so many classes all at once.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Staff survey results: (30 responses)

➢ 67% do not feel a class needs to meet all year

➢ 77% believe 80 minutes of instruction is beneficial

➢ 57% don’t feel semesters = loss of content knowledge

➢ 80% prefer to finish a class in one semester

➢ 73% do not prefer to have classes every other day

➢ 67% do not think it would be good to rotate the starting times of

classes

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Staff Comments: (12 comments submitted)❖ There is not enough evidence to make a change to our schedule.❖ I taught in a rotating drop district and loved it. The students/staff adjusted to the schedule

and did not get confused about which day within the schedule it was.❖ It is important to recognize that there is NO solid research that says one schedule

outperforms another. There are benefits and disadvantages to both. Changing a schedule does NOT mean changed test scores.

❖ My children who use a rotate and drop at the middle school still spend the first couple of weeks each year reviewing key concepts from the year before. While the break in instruction can lead to issues, it doesn't have to and certainly doesn't happen to every student.

❖ The 4x4 block schedule lends itself well to teaching science. Switching to the other two formats would require more time to prepare experiments and we would have to purchase more labware to accommodate twice as many students performing the same labs at the same time.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Staff comments continued:

❖ The current schedule better prepares the students for a college schedule. I believe that student motivation needs to be addressed, not the type of schedule that the school uses.

❖ I believe that the A/B schedule and rotate & drop are better for student learning and have the potential to decrease student disciplinary issues. I also feel that a rotate and drop with shorter classes better serves a diverse student population.

❖ Although I am used to the 4x4 Block schedule as a student and now current teacher, I do see the benefits of the other schedules- learning different times of the day (drop) and all year (rotating).

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Parent survey results: (186 responses)

➢ 65% do not feel a class needs to meet all year

➢ 69% believe 80 minutes of instruction is beneficial

➢ 53% do not feel semesters = loss of content knowledge

➢ 68% prefer their child to finish a class in one semester

➢ 70% do not prefer to have classes every other day

➢ 77% do not think it would be good to rotate the starting times of classes

➢ 64% believe it would be hard for kids to remember what classes for an

A/B or a R&D schedule

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Parent Comments: (67 comments submitted)❖ In college your schedule is very similar and Block really prepares you to learn at an accelerated pace.

Honestly, I think there is something wrong with the Test.❖ Having the current 4x4 format lends perfectly to taking two building classes in one school year instead of

two. For example, Spanish I and II or Algebra I and II can be completed back to back.❖ College is set up as a 4x4 schedule. I believe we are setting the stage for our children to get ready for the

college experience.❖ I am both a parent and a teacher on an A/B schedule. Students have no issue remembering an A/B

rotation. It’s usually the parents that don’t like the traditional block schedule.❖ I like the current schedule because it allows my child to double up on classes (Geometry S1 and Algebra 2

S2, French 1 S1 and French 2 S2). The current schedule does NOT create a high level of stress like the other two choices would.

❖ I am not only a parent but have done the Master Schedule for a local school district for over 10 years. 5 credit classes... in my opinion.. are best taught in a 4x4 semester block schedule. This reduces the overall burden on studying and class work for not only students but also teachers. For those that struggle and perhaps would fail it gives them the opportunity to perhaps retake a class in the Spring semester versus summer school. I highly recommend you stick with what you are currently doing as it is best practice in my opinion.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Parent comments continued:❖ I think the A/B schedule format would be easier to follow in terms of remembering classes than the R&D❖ My son has ADHD and a 504 as well. He would not be able to remain organized if the schedule switched

back and forth throughout the week. The current 4x4 system works well for him. My other son does not have a need for a 504. He is in Honors classes and he is doubling up on Math and Science each year.

❖ The 4x 4 has been working great, I don't see any need for change. It gives my son focus on a particular subject for that half of the year, also preps him for college type of scheduling.

❖ I would like if it my child can have math and science all year because these classes are important. Also not so sure of the block schedule or just not used to it right now

❖ The multiple start times is not beneficial as I feel kids need consistency❖ I teach at a local high school that has operated on the 4*4 block for 20 years and feel it is the most

successful option as well as the most helpful for preparing for college after high school.❖ For my daughter with a 504 plan who struggles academically, managing just 4 classes per semester is very

doable. Managing 6 classes at a time will be difficult and managing 8 classes at a time will be nearly impossible for her!! Please consider students like my daughter when making this decision.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Ideas suggested, considered (and some already implemented):❖ Add a period at the start or end of the day - for activities, advisory, extra class❖ Start school later in the day❖ Run skinnies (40 minute blocks)❖ Shorten the AP classes to just 1st semester❖ Require that World Language classes be taken back to back❖ Create a year-long Algebra I course - maybe also Algebra II❖ Take a deep look into data: test scores (not just PARCC), student failures, graduation rate❖ Add tutoring time during the school day & after school❖ Analyze why PARCC/NJSLA scores are not meeting expectations❖ Create common planning time for teachers❖ Configure PowerSchool scheduler to eliminate a 2-semester gap & dictate English and

History are in different semesters - writing component❖ Implement reading and writing in all content areas❖ Explore study abroad - foreign exchange programs

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Testing information:

❖ PARCC/NJSLA➢ ELA 9/10/11 has increased each year for past 3 years (below State Ave 2019)➢ Algebra I increased each year for past 3 years (below State Ave 2019)➢ Geometry stayed the same past 3 years (above State Ave 2019)➢ Algebra II has more than doubled in past 3 years (below State Ave 2019)➢ Deep look - individual students scores and the amount of minutes they spent

on each section. Comparison of PARCC/NJSLA scores with PSAT scores.❖ PSAT

➢ Above State Average in 2018-19 ■ State Ave: 952 compared to BRHS Ave: 989 (ELA & Math > State Average)

➢ Increase in participation during the 2019-2020 administration by 44%

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Testing information continued:

❖ SAT➢ Above State Average in 2018-19

■ State Ave: 1080 compared to BRHS Ave: 1133 ● ELA & Math > State Average

❖ AP Test Scores➢ Participation has increased each of the last four years➢ Equal to the state ave. in 2018-19

■ 82% of BRHS test-takers scored 3 or better ■ State Ave=82% & National Ave. = 71%

❖ Graduation rate - State Ave. 90.9% compared to BRHS 96.3%

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019One Lunch aka - “Lunch and Learn”

❖ Still in the planning stages - between 60 and 80 minutes in length❖ Students and staff all off at the same time - no classes offered❖ Designated areas for students to eat and to spend time: gym, library, designated

classrooms, other common areas❖ Need for purchase of Kiosks - to create serving/purchasing areas in other BRHS

locations❖ Staff will spend some time on duty/PLC meeting/club meeting/tutoring/SH, etc.❖ We have met with Sodexo to discuss this possibility. We will need to go out to bid

due to the change in contract wording. Sodexo believes this might increase lunch participation.

❖ Recent survey sent to students and staff to gauge interest and to elicit ideas/suggestions/concerns

❖ Have visited Lenape Regional School District to observe and discuss

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Results of follow up Student Survey: 104 responses❖ Focused on interest in “One Lunch” and final opinions about “Schedule” recommendation

❖ 104 student responses: 38% Juniors, 27% Sophomores, 19% Freshmen, 16% Seniors

❖ “One Lunch” feedback:

➢ Areas they would like to spend time: Cafeteria, Library, Classroom, Gym

➢ Things they would do: club meeting 47%, extra help from teacher 43%, use library 41%

➢ Items needed: couches, beanbags, chairs/tables, bleachers out, outdoor seating, etc.

Schedule Question

➢ In favor of staying with (on a scale of 0-10, with 10 highest):

■ 4x4 - 8, 9, 10 = 84% 0, 1, 2 = 3%

■ A/B - 8, 9, 10 = 7% 0, 1, 2 = 70%

■ R&D- 8, 9, 10 = 6% 0, 1, 2 = 75%

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Student comments regarding One Lunch:❖ The one lunch idea would cause many issues and discipline issues❖ I think it should be kept how it is❖ I think the one lunch could get out of hand (would make our school dirty due to kids not cleaning up) but

I'm not opposed to it.❖ I like the one lunch idea because it would give everyone an opportunity to study and get things done. I

think I would be a more productive and proactive student if given the one lunch opportunity.❖ I think the one lunch idea is really great, it takes away the stress for incoming freshman that are scared of

who’s in their lunch.❖ I understand the need for students to be “productive” but there’s nothing wrong with some places during

this lunch period to just be for fun. Maybe open up the aux gym for some supervised volleyball. Let kids take the time to wind down that they don’t otherwise get

❖ The one lunch idea seems like it will be really hectic seeing as we have hundreds of students in this school.❖ The one lunch idea I support because I think it's a great idea to open up times you can meet with teachers

and you can also get to socialize more.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Results of follow up Staff Survey:❖ Focused on interest in “One Lunch” and final opinions about “Schedule” recommendation❖ 51 staff responses❖ “One Lunch” feedback:

➢ In what activities/duties might you be most willing to participate? (may choose more than one)

■ Host a Club meeting - 23■ Provide Extra Help to students - 29■ Quiet Study Hall - 34■ Being part of a mentoring program - 19■ PLC Meetings - 21■ Yoga/Meditation/Mindfulness Activities - 20■ Supervising a lunch area - 12■ Open Gym monitor - 8■ Teach an elective (40 minute class) - 14

➢ Items needed: couches, PE equipment, chairs/tables, bleachers out, outdoor seating, etc.

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Specific Questions - Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Agree, Strongly Agree - 51 responses

❖ I am in favor of the “One Lunch” idea: Agree/Strongly Agree - 33❖ Our schedule is fine with 4 lunches: Agree/Strongly Agree - 24❖ One Lunch would likely be a supervision/behavior problem: A/SA - 29❖ I feel the kids would benefit from the “down time”: A/SA - 30❖ I think the students would take advantage of the opportunity to visit with teachers

for extra help and to have club meetings: A/SA - 30

Schedule Question - Staff➢ In favor of staying with: (on a scale of 0-10, with 10 highest):

■ 4x4 - 8, 9, 10 = 75% 0, 1, 2, 3 = 2%

■ A/B - 8, 9, 10 = 6% 0, 1, 2,3 = 73%

■ R&D- 8, 9, 10 = 16% 0, 1, 2, 3 = 53%

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Staff comments regarding One Lunch:❖ I am in favor of keeping the foundations of the 4x4 intact while making adjustments such as adding in the

One Lunch idea and running some courses as year long skinnies.❖ As for the one lunch, I'm just not sure the majority of students would utilize the time wisely and that we

could be creating an opportunity for students to get into more trouble than it might be worth.❖ Everyone I know that does "One Lunch" somewhere else, hates it❖ If club meetings occur during school hours, would those clubs no longer be stipended positions?❖ I need more information on what One Lunch would look like❖ I like the idea of one lunch but also don't see the problem with 4 lunch periods. The "learn" in "lunch and

learn" could be a potential problem. Being assigned extra help (tutoring), mentoring, or teaching an elective would likely be outside the expectations of an assigned duty and may have to be negotiated.

❖ In my kids district it is called Smart Lunch & is a great benefit to the school community.❖ You would need more technology if you expect students to get work done.❖ I fear this eventually turns into an additional teaching duty where attendance will be taken and teachers will

be responsible for students. Maybe we could explore ensuring that all students have a study hall on most days. (not making chorus/orchestra/band during that time and not allowing students to opt to take extra classes) Then all students would have down time allowing them to get things done, see teachers about assignments or make up assessments

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Current efforts:❖ Essentials of Math - extra math course for identified 9th graders to support foundational

skills❖ Essentials of ELA - extra English course for identified 9th graders to enhance writing skills

and literacy work❖ After-school library hours - for NHS tutoring and/or to use computers or hang out❖ SAT Prep Course - offered to upperclassmen during the school day❖ Tutoring during study halls - paid staff members to support math and ELA❖ Increase in students taking PSAT - all Sophomores and Juniors❖ Focus on reading and writing in ALL content areas❖ Articulation of instruction by our two new supervisors❖ Increase in AP course offerings❖ Investigation of and planning for a Career and Technical Education Program❖ Planning for a Spanish National Honor Society

BRHS Scheduling Work 2019Recommendation: At this time, it is recommended that BRHS continue the 4x4 Block schedule for the 2020-21 school year. Various changes will be implemented where deemed beneficial.

Two immediate adaptations include full-year Algebra I for all 9th grade students who have not already completed Algebra I and a full-year Spanish I course pilot.

From here:❖ BRHS scheduling committee will continue to meet❖ BRHS will continue its planning/research for the “One Lunch” possibilities❖ Further discussion will occur regarding the AP courses and the seminar sections❖ Student support programs will be evaluated for effectiveness and revised as necessary❖ New supervisors will coordinate ELA and math department efforts❖ Consideration of “Flex Scheduling” ie: once a week or twice a month - variations❖ Continue to investigate ways to create time for important programs like

tutorial/activity/advisory period, social emotional learning, mindfulness, etc.

Thank you