Download - A Block Schedule at PMS: An Update
A Block Schedule at PMS: An Update
Parent ForumDecember 10, 2012
Jeanne DonovanWelcome
We want to make a great program even better
As educators, we always ask, “What can we do better?”
How can we do more to meet new 21st century core standards with the resources we already have?
Would a modified block schedule improve student learning?
Agenda1. Introduce committee of staff & parents2. Evolution of Thought and Process3. Proposed, Trialed Modified Block4. Our Findings, Results of Survey5. Challenges, Improvements: Why a 3-
day Block?6. Next Steps7. Panel discussion with Q&A
Block Schedule Committee Educators Parents Jeanne Donovan, Principal Eric Mapes, Asst. Principal Hannah Bjork, Spanish Brad Goodson, Math 6 and 8 Ted Greenebaum, Science 8 Jane Hickman, English
8/Journalism Annie Holland, English 8/History 8 Joci Kelleher, Core 6/Study Skills Stella Kennedy, Core 6/Green Team Kim Lipkin, Art/Leadership Gina McKuen, Core 7/Shakespeare Carrie Poole, Special Education Amy Savage, Special Education Anne Smith, Film/Animation Camilla Thayer, Science 6 & 7
Jon ElliottKatie KorotzerSue LinShirley Rexrode, PMS PC
Pres.Esther RogersLillis SternGautam Wadhwani, PMS
PC Tsr.
Former Member: Mary Kelly, Past PMS PC President
Evolution of ThoughtWanted to consider block schedule Researched optionsConducted a 2-day block trial (90-minute
periods) for two weeks this fallSurveyed stakeholdersDiscussed benefits and challenges Changed proposal to 3-day block to address
challenges while maintaining benefits
An Enriching, Collaborative Process 2010 Staff inquiry began April 2011First presentation at Parents’ Club meeting Oct. 2011 First parent forum Oct. 2011 Parents joined Block Schedule committee 2011-2012Site visits, readings, discussions April 2012Second parent forum (included elementary)
Oct. 2012 Two week trial of 2-day modified Block
Oct. 2012 Student, parent and staff surveys
Nov. 2012 Analysis of results which led to proposed 3-day Block
Dec. 2012 Third parent forum (includes elementary)
“Traditional” vs. “Modified Block” Schedule
Traditional 7-period day: each class meets every day
Modified BlockEach class meets four times per weekBlocked periods – four or five classes
per day
Trialed 2-day Block Schedule
• 2 traditional and 3 blocked days• Early dismissal at 2:05 pm every week on Wednesday
Why Change: Improved LearningWe expected to find that longer periods:Allow for better, deeper grasp of
concepts Create uninterrupted time for research
Provide opportunities for richer
discussions Reduce passing time & set-up/clean-up
time Lend themselves more effectively to
multiple activities
What We LearnedDeeper grasp of concepts
Example: Math (Mr. Goodson)Uninterrupted research or writing time
Example: Core 6 (Mrs. Kelleher)Richer discussions and elaborate activities
Example: History 8 (Mrs. Holland)Reduced transition time = time for debriefing
Example: Science (Mr. Greenebaum)Multiple activities
Examples: Core 7 (Ms. Brenneman), World Languages (Mrs. Bjork) and P.E. (Mrs. Jarvis)
Survey Results: FacultyMajority of the faculty agreed or strongly agreed that during the block schedule trial:
They could utilize a greater variety of teaching
strategies
They could better address the range of learning styles
They had increased individualized student interaction
Pacing was challenging in a 90-minute period
Survey Results: Students72% of students indicated that blocked periods during the trial increased:
Interaction time with teachers Ability to learn Comprehension of lessons
Homework due less frequently, reduced student stress
Survey Results: Parents’ Perspectives About Block Trial
Majority felt somewhat or very positive
overall
Majority supported schedule with two or
more block days Over 75% of students spoke with their
parents about their experience
Addressing the ChallengesTrialed 2-day Block Schedule
Addressing the ChallengesChallenge With 2-Day
90-minutes challenging for some classesOne heavy day, one light6th Grade P.E.& Music – who gets 90-minute block?Catching up after absenceLunch B too late
Not seeing students daily
Proposed 3-Day Block Schedule
• 2 traditional and 3 blocked days• Early dismissal at 1:48 pm every week on Wednesday
(same as elementary schools)
Addressing the ChallengesChallenge With 2-Day
90-minutes challenging for some classes One heavy day, one light6th Grade P.E.& Music – who gets 90-minute block?Catching up after absenceLunch B too late
Not seeing students daily
How 3-Day Addresses It72-minutes preferable
More balanced
Each gets a 72-minute block
Less curriculum missedAll have lunch at noonNo change
Looking AheadConduct teacher vote on final proposal:
Principal & Superintendent must approve Majority of teachers must approve School Board must approve
Earliest possible implementation 2013-2014
If approved, staff development and planning time provided between January and June 2013 – curriculum, organizing one lunch, master schedule
If implemented, all stakeholders will be surveyed next year as we continue to evaluate effectiveness
SummaryResult of a broad, judicious inquiry process
Majority of teachers support opportunity for innovation
72-minute periods preferable to 90 minute periodsStill provide great benefits to student learning
Community input is valued; please contact:Any parent member on the committee OR
Appendix
2 – Day Block (90-minute periods)
3 - Day Block (72-minute periods)
Tuesday: Language ArtsScienceMathReading
Tuesday:Language ArtsMathScienceElective WheelReading
Wednesday:Social StudiesP.E./Music (45 minutes of each)Elective WheelEarly Release
Wednesday:Social StudiesMathScienceP.E./MusicEarly Release
For 6th graders, this meant that Wednesdays were very light.
Thursday:Language ArtsSocial StudiesP.E./MusicElective WheelReading
Sample Sixth Grade Schedule Comparison
Educational RationaleSupports interdisciplinary theme development
Provides time for teachers to develop instructional practices that increase differentiation
Provides time for teachers to evaluate assessments
Supports continued development of professional learning communities, which aligns with new teacher evaluation system