Alternative Scheduling

Alternative Scheduling

Videos

Videos

Title

Inquiry Kit: Multiage Classrooms
Author Forsten/Grant/Johnson/Rich
Publisher ASCD
Copyright
Description This study group method of professional development is a powerful way to take charge of your own learning and growth.  This kit is designed so that you and your group can decide what you want to work with and when.  The kit contains 8 folders, each devoted to one aspect of the topic.  Included in the folders are general suggestions on how you might use the contents – thought provoking questions, ideas for using video clips as a stimulus for discussion, advance organizers to help your exploration.  It is not necessary to engage in all the activities suggested.  Your group chooses which materials to use.  We hope these resources help you and your colleagues construct personal development experiences that are meaningful and relevant to your needs.
Reference Number AL001

 

Title

High School Alternative Scheduling
Author Robert Canady
Publisher Video J
Copyright
Description Video Tape 1 Highlights-Four types of schedules are presented that create more time for teaching and learning.  -The first steps of implementing the new schedules are outlined.  -Alternative schedules create time blocks intended for more applied, in depth, hands-on, and active student learning.  -Any change in scheduling should involve parents, teachers, and administration in the decision making process.  -To determine the best scheduling for a school, match the scheduling options with the needs and direction of the school.  -Time must be viewed as a flexible resource to achieve student outcomes rather than a fixed set of boundaries used for convenience in funneling students through a group of classes.

Video Tape 2 Highlights

-Staff development is necessary to help teachers use block scheduling effectively.  -A simple time formula is shared which helps keep learners active.  -Block scheduling provides a time frame which matches well with more meaningful learning experiences such as the Paideia seminar.  -A wide variety of assessment options are provided in block scheduling.  -Examples of problems which are unique to block scheduling are shown with educators working through the solutions.

Reference Number AL402

 

Title

Elementary Parallel Block Scheduling
Author Robert Canady
Publisher Video J
Copyright
Description Video Tape 1 Program Highlights:-Parallel Block Scheduling is a way of restructuring the time and resources of elementary schools to improve student learning.   -Steps for creating a parallel block master schedule.  -Examples of parallel block schedules and action.  -The goals of parallel block schedules are to: increase active teaching time, eliminate need for seatwork, deal with grouping issues, reduce problems associated with pull-out programs.  -The benefits of parallel block schedules are: reduced discipline problems, increased teacher collaboration, improved academic performance.

Video Tape 2 Highlights

-The importance of parallel block scheduling is in the reduction of class size during critical reading and math instruction time.  -Methods of arranging students into similar groups to increase learning effectiveness are provided.  –Suggestions for creating extension or enrichment centers are given.  -A parallel block schedule accommodates heterogeneous grouping and so allows for many opportunities of inclusion.  -An example of parallel block scheduling is provided which shows how it has been set in motion.

Reference Number AL403

 

Title

Multiage Nongrad Ed: From Practice to Theory
Author
Publisher Video J
Copyright
Description Video Tape 1 Highlights:-The need for multiage nongraded education is examined.  -The ingredients for successful multiage education are introduced with classroom demonstrations of teachers focusing on student learning.  -Multiage classrooms allow more students to take risks, to feel they belong, and to take ownership of their own learning.  -Meaningful school restructuring must begin with educators examining what they know and don’t know.

Video Tape 2 Highlights:

-Issues of class composition in multiage nongraded education are examined.  -Three basic concepts underlining multiage classroom are presented: Shared experience and individual response, students representing their learning in a variety of ways, celebrating and sharing learning.  -A practical daily agenda for multiage education is explained and demonstrated.  -Multiage strategies and planning learning experiences and assessments are provided.

Reference Number AL503

 

Title

Teaching in the Block: Engaging Students in Active Learning
Author Phyllis Hotchkiss
Publisher Video J
Copyright
Description Depicts teachers in entire classroom examples responding the challenges of teaching in the block.
Reference Number AL601

 

Title

Middle School Block Scheduling
Author Rettig/Kennedy
Publisher Video J
Copyright
Description Video Tape 1 Program Highlights:-Alternatives to traditional schedules for middle school students are examined.  -The need for block scheduling in middle school is established.  -Key issues to be addressed in middle school block scheduling are presented.  -Two block schedules and benefits for improved student learning are described.

Video Tape 2 Highlights

-Preparatory steps for building a block schedule in the middle school are outlined.  -Ideas are provided for teaching in an extended class period.  -Middle school teachers explain why teaming is a key element in a successful block schedule.  -The 50-50-50-30 day school calendar is presented as one form of block scheduling.

Reference Number AL602