June 13, 2005 Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Past, Present, and Future Presentation to the Baldwin County Board of Education June 13, 2005 Presented by the BCPS Block Scheduling Task Force

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Block Scheduling Task Force Pam HensonDirector of Instructional Support (Science) Cale EbertChair of Task Force, Supervisor (Math) Chuck AndersonSupervisor (Physical Education) Julia BryantNBCT Counselor Lee ClevelandDPHS Counselor (English) Cathy DannerRBDH Library Media Specialist (Math) Nancy DanleySecondary Coordinator (English) Cheryl KnutsenCareer Tech Supervisor Marty McRaeFHPH Assistant Principal (Math) Jim LuckeyBCHS Counselor Beverly SpondikeSPHS Assistant Principal (Foreign Language) Tommy RhodesCareer Tech Coordinator Eddie TylerGSHS Principal (Physical Education) Beverly WenzelFLYH Library Media Specialist (English) Joyce WoodburnSupervisor (Counselor, Social Studies)

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Past 1993 – STACom formed to research alternatives to 6-period schedule BCBE approved STACom recommendation of block if at least 70% of teachers in favor. Teacher vote = 81% in favor of block

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Past 1994 – STACom developed the Blue Book guidelines Summer 1995 – extensive teacher training – first year of implementation New course offerings and diploma requirements

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Past First evaluation of block schedule STACom concerns STACom concerns Overloaded classes – imbalance of schedule Overloaded classes – imbalance of schedule Poor attendance and excessive check outs Poor attendance and excessive check outs Career/Tech Education in need of improvement Career/Tech Education in need of improvement Honors Diploma needed Honors Diploma needed Electives needed for students who fail AHSGE Electives needed for students who fail AHSGE Teacher training needed – use BCPS teachers as trainers Teacher training needed – use BCPS teachers as trainers

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Past First evaluation of block schedule STACom concerns STACom concerns Still too many class interruptions Still too many class interruptions Need more science courses Need more science courses Need summer/night school requirement Need summer/night school requirement Should discontinue Keyboarding/Study Skills Should discontinue Keyboarding/Study Skills Expand Health to 1-term course Expand Health to 1-term course Blue Book revised Blue Book revised

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Past May 2000 – Committee formed to study block schedule Met twice – May and July of 2000 Met twice – May and July of 2000 Recommended more teacher training and the hiring of a consultant to gather data Recommended more teacher training and the hiring of a consultant to gather data No further meetings No further meetings

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Present Changes made since 1997 Overloaded classes – imbalance of schedule Overloaded classes – imbalance of schedule Still a concern Poor attendance and excessive check outs Poor attendance and excessive check outs Still a concern Career Tech Program in need of improvement Career Tech Program in need of improvement Changes made due to new Course of Study Honors Diploma needed Honors Diploma neededImplemented Electives needed for those who fail AHSGE Electives needed for those who fail AHSGE Prep Assistance classes implemented Teacher training needed Teacher training needed Still a concern

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Present Changes made since 1997 Still too many class interruptions Still too many class interruptions Still a concern Need more science courses Need more science courses Added Earth, Environmental, Regular Marine, Advanced Chemistry Need summer/night school requirement Need summer/night school requirement Still a concern Should discontinue Keyboarding/Study Skills Should discontinue Keyboarding/Study Skills Implemented Computer Competency Checklist Expand Health to 1-term course Expand Health to 1-term course Still a concern

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Present Changes made since 1997 Dual Enrollment Dual Enrollment Algebra for Mastery Algebra for Mastery Academies Academies

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Present Attendance/Grades Correlation Attendance/Grades Correlation Town Meeting Surveys Town Meeting Surveys Teacher Surveys Teacher Surveys Data from other AL school systems Data from other AL school systems The Benefits of Extended Time The Benefits of Extended Time

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County The Future – Task Force Recommendations Consistent teacher training Needed to help teachers be more effective. Needed to help teachers be more effective. Require for teachers who are not using the block effectively. Require for teachers who are not using the block effectively. Must be provided continuously. Must be provided continuously. Use our teachers as presenters. Use our teachers as presenters.

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Attendance Issues Require summer school for students who fail courses – funded by the school system (see English chart) Require summer school for students who fail courses – funded by the school system (see English chart) Final exam exemption incentive for seniors only. Final exam exemption incentive for seniors only. Determine a terminal entrance date for students over 16 years of age. Determine a terminal entrance date for students over 16 years of age. More rigorous guidelines for make up work More rigorous guidelines for make up work Trips unrelated to school activities should be counted as absences. Trips unrelated to school activities should be counted as absences. NEED an “academic” attendance NEED an “academic” attendancepolicy The Future – Task Force Recommendations

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Courses and Scheduling Keep the block! Keep the block! Research the feasibility of modifying the block for certain courses (e.g. AP, foreign language, math). Research the feasibility of modifying the block for certain courses (e.g. AP, foreign language, math). Provide training for high school administrative teams in developing a master schedule. Provide training for high school administrative teams in developing a master schedule. Expand Health to an 18-week course. Expand Health to an 18-week course. Follow guidelines for class interruptions. Follow guidelines for class interruptions. Discontinue “teacher assistant” as a course. Discontinue “teacher assistant” as a course. The Future – Task Force Recommendations

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Health as a 1-term course Implement Fall 2006 Implement Fall Health $64,000 each 7 Health $64,000 each 7 Driver’s Ed $64,000 each 7 Driver’s Ed $64,000 each Total = $896,000 Total = $896,000 Budget Implications Require Summer School  For students who fail core courses during the regular school year.  30 $116 per day for 24 days  Total = $85,000

June 13, 2005 Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Questions & Comments

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Only 21% of these students made up their credit in summer school. Therefore, schools had to reschedule 234 students for 9th and 11th grade English in teacher units = 234 students = 8 classes used for students who did not go to summer school. n = 66 students n = 237 students Back to the Present

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Town Meeting Survey “What do you like about block?” #1 ANSWER : Other Comments Students have more time to focus on their studies since they only take four subjects. Similar to college class duration Many opportunities for in-depth study Elective and advanced course offerings

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Town Meeting Survey “What are your concerns about block?” Too much time exists between sequenced courses like foreign language and mathematics. Students have too much free time in class and are allowed to do all of their homework in class. Short attention span leads to boredom, which leads to discipline problems. One term is not enough time to learn good writing skills. Because of the fast pace, students are memorizing information rather than understanding it. Back to the Present

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County find the block to meet the needs of their students. teach the required course objectives. struggle with classroom discipline. participate in workshops related to teaching in the block. use class time wisely. transition activities to keep their students focused. incorporate hands-on activities.

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County are able to focus on their studies.” are able to finish their homework in class.” have difficulty transitioning from middle to high school.” have time to learn adequate writing and communication skills.” have difficulty in math and foreign language.” make up their work after an absence.” understand the importance of being in class everyday.” qualify for the final exam exemption.” Back to the Present

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County High Schools in Alabama Back to the Present 62% on Block 62% on Block 38% not on Block

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Read Across America RBDH to RBDE Archaeology Robertsdale

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Information Technology Daphne High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Art – Foley High Symphonic Band - Foley High Drama – Gulf Shores High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Aquascience Fairhope High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Environmental Science Baldwin Co High Fairhope High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Pre-Engineering Baldwin Co High Fairhope High Spanish Fort High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Culinary Arts Gulf Shores High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Aviation Daphne High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Extended Time Benefits Back to the Present Justice Academy Robertsdale High

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County On Block Alexander City Andalusia City Athens City Attalla City Auburn City Autauga Co Baldwin Co Bessemer City Bibb Co Birmingham City Chambers Co Cherokee Co Chilton Co Choctaw Co Clarke Co Cleburne Co Coffee Co Colbert Co Conecuh Co Coosa Co Cullman Co Dale Co Daleville City Dallas Co Demopolis City Dothan City Elba City Elmore Co Enterprise City Etowah Co Eufaula City Fairfield City Fort Payne City Gadsden City Geneva City Geneva Co Hale Co Henry Co Houston Co Huntsville City Jackson Co Jacksonville City Jasper City Jefferson Co Lanette City Lawrence Co Lee Co Limestone Co Lowndes Co Madison City Madison Co Mobile Co Muscle Shoals City Opelika City Opp City Ozark City Pell City Perry Co Phenix City Pickens Co Pike Co Russell Co Russellville City Scottsboro City Selma City Sheffield City St. Clair Co Sylacauga City Talladega City Tallapoosa Co Tallassee City Talladega Co Tarrant City Thomasville City Troy City Tuscaloosa Co Tuscaloosa City Tuscumbia City Walker Co Back to Pie Chart

June 13, 2005Block Scheduling in Baldwin County Not on Block Anniston City Arab City Barbour Co Blount Co Brewton City Bullock Co Butler Co Calhoun Co Clay Co Covington Co. Crenshaw Co Cullman City Decatur City Dekalb Co Escambia Co Fayette Co Florence City Franklin Co Greene Co Guntersville City Haleyville City Hartselle City Homewood City Hoover City Lamar Co Lauderdale Co Linden City Macon Co Marengo Co Marion Co Marshall Co Midfield City Montgomery Co Montoe Co Morgan Co Mountain Brook City Not on Block Oneonta City Oxford City Piedmont City Randolph Co Shelby Co Sumter Co Vestavia Hills City Washington Co Wilcox Co Winfield City Winston Co Back to Pie Chart