The Block Scheduling Handbook

"A wonderful guide for school leaders as they create a contemporary schedule for middle and high school students to take advantage of a variety of curricular offerings. This second addition is comprehensive, with numerous subject-centered examples and detailed specifics for those desiring to move to more advanced designs. It is no wonder why Queen is often referred to as the father of the new block schedule." —Henry Peel, Wachovia Distinguished Professor East Carolina University A comprehensive, step-by-step handbook on making the most of block scheduling! Block scheduling is one of the most popular ways of restructuring the school day, and schools engaged in some form of alternative scheduling have seen significant benefits. This ready-to-use guidebook provides educators with the tools they need to design a successful block scheduling program that results in better student-teacher rapport, more in-depth learning, improved discipline, higher morale, and better grades. Revised to include updated resources and a brand-new overview on block scheduling, this second edition provides: Insightful discussions of elementary, middle, and high schools on the block, including an in-depth case study of an ideal elementary curriculum Three specific block schedule models, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and ways to find the best fit Classroom management and student-centered instructional strategies for the block Guidance on curriculum alignment, instructional evaluation, and assessment methods Forms and sample lessons to get programs up and running For educators designing a new scheduling program or needing support for an existing one, The Block Scheduling Handbook is the ideal resource.

Table of Contents:
Dedication and Acknowledgments About the Author 1. The Current Status of Block Scheduling 2. Block Scheduling and the High School 3. Developmental Aspects of Growth and Behavior Physical Development From Early Childhood Through Adolescence Cognitive Growth Characteristics of Piaget′s Stages of Cognitive Development Schemata and the Process of Assimilation, Accomodation, and Equilibration The Sensori-Motor Period The Period of Preoperational Thought The Period of Concrete Operations The Period of Formal Operations Cognitive Theory and Block Instruction Personality Development Erikson′s Stages of Personality Development Implications of Erikson′s Theory for Block Instruction 4. Building the Block Culture in the School 5. Selecting the Best Fit The 4´4 Block Schedule Model The A/B Block Schedule Model The Modified Block New Lesson Designs for the Block 6. Block Scheduling in the Middle School The Middle School Defined Characteristics of the Middle School Team Teaching Interdisciplinary Teaming Block Classes or Periods Advisory Programs Benefits of the Block Schedule in the Middle School Shortfalls of the Traditional Schedule The Flexible/Alternate/Navigate (FAN) Models Advantages of Modified Schedules in the Middle School Teaching in the Block in the Middle School Summary 7. The Elementary School on the Block Historical Events Impacting the Elementary School National Initiatives America 2000 Part 1: For Today′s Students, Better, More Accountable Schools Part 2: For Tomorrow′s Students, a New Generation of American Schools Part 3: For the Rest of Us (Yesterday′s Students and Today′s Workforce), a Nation of Students Part 4: Communities Where Learning Can Happen Goals 2000: Educate America Act A State Example: The Elementary Curriculum in North Carolina Technology English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Fine Arts: Dance Fine Arts: Music Fine Arts: Theater Fine Arts: Visual Arts Organizational Patterns Disadvantages of Graded Arrangement Alternative Possibilities for Scheduling 4-Blocks Model for Elementary Education Parallel Block Scheduling Summary 8. Aligning Standards and Course Content Models for Use of Instructional Time Limiting Content Notes to Remember Assigning Outside Content Integrating Content: C-Clustering Curriculum Alignment and Instructional Pacing Curriculum Alignment Phase 1 Curriculum Alignment Phase 2 Instructional Pacing Phase 1 Instructional Pacing Phase 2 9. Sample of Curriculum Alignment and Pacing 10. Effective Instructional Strategies for Block Scheduling Cooperative Learning The Case Method Socratic Seminar Synectics Concept Attainment Inquiry Method Simulations Recommendations for Improving Block Scheduling for the Future 11. Teacher-Directed Instruction Direct Instruction as a Teaching Model Direct Instruction as a Continuum of Teaching Behaviors Summary Our Mr. Jefferson: A Sample Teacher-Directed Lesson 12. Discovery and Inquiry Discovery Learning History and Research Promises and Pitfalls Summary The Inquiry Training Model History and Research Promises and Pitfalls Summary Building the Tower: A Sample Discovery Method Activity 13. Simulations and Role Play Simulations Forms for the Simulation Model Rationale for Appropriate Use Lesson Design History and Research Promises and Pitfalls Summary Gifted and Talented Simulation: A Sample Lesson Using Simulation 14. Cooperative Learning History and Research Promises and Pitfalls The Case Method Summary Building the Perfect School: A Cooperative Staff Development Activity 15. Synectics History and Research Gordon′s Stages of Creativity Promises and Pitfalls Summary To Kill a Mockingbird: A Syectics Sample Lesson 16. Socratic Seminar Group Discussion and Student Participation What Happened: A Socratic Seminar 17. Instructional Assessment Methods of Instructional Evaluation Presassessment Formative Assessment Summative Assessment Assessment of Student Acheivement Portfolio Unit Evaluation Lesson Evaluation A Positive Classroom Climate Through Instruction 18. Program Evaluation and Student Assessment Reasons for Evaluation Defining Program Evaluation Instructional Evaluation Summary Evaluation Resource 1: Block Schedule Teacher Survey Evaluation Resource 2: Teacher Survey: High School Instruction 19. A Guide to Traditional and Authentic Assessment Writing and Evaluating Test Items Parts of a Test Item Categorizing Items on Cognitive Levels Evaluating Test Items Using Authentic Assessment for Student Evaluation The Trouble With Tests Is... What Is Authentic Assessment? Brain Growth, Brain Enrichment, and Attention Effective Implementation of Authentic Assessment Multiple Intelligences and Authentic Assessment Types of Authentic Assessment References, Recommended Readings Internet Resources Index