Block Scheduling

Several years ago, as part of ongoing school improvement efforts, the MdN staff adjusted the daily schedule to a four day block schedule followed by a one day "regular" schedule.  After an evaluation of the Block Schedule, the staff adjusted the schedule again.  Beginning with the fall of 2003, students will attend classes 1 - 7 Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and Block classes Wednesday (1,3, 7) and Thursday (2,4,6). 

The new bell schedule provides students and teachers the opportunity to meet four times a week and still have an extended class period once a week for in depth instruction and projects.

The following information is provided to answer common questions about Block Scheduling

Why have a conference period?

Background:
Several high schools in the valley who have block schedules have implemented  conference periods during the school day.  After hearing their success stories, we decided to give it a try at Marcos de Niza.

Description
The time set aside from 7:40 - 8:05 Wednesday and Thursday provides an opportunity for students to meet with their teachers to get extra help, obtain make-up work, and complete unfinished assignments.

How it works:

• All instructors will be in their classrooms and make themselves available to students during the entire conference period.
• Students will be required to attend if a teacher has requested their presence or if htye have been absent and need to obtain makeup work.  Failure to attend will result in a discipline referral.
• All students are welcome to attend at any time.
• When students arrive, they must sign in to verify attendance.
• It is not to be used for punitive reasons; it is a positive time.

Benefits of Block Scheduling

Having longer class periods promotes the following:

• in depth instruction
• flexibility for effective use of class time
• more opportunities for hands-on learning
• time for guided practice of new material
• more opportunities for cooperative learning
• collaboration in problem-solving
• active learning
• judicious use of lecture format
• increased student interaction with peers and teachers
• student/teacher conference time (one on one)
• utilization of multiple intelligences

The Following websites provided additional information about Block Scheduling, both for and against.

Block scheduled high school achievement North Carolina's executive summary and test results
Block scheduling results
Oregon study
Power of innovative scheduling A publication promoting change in scheduling

For more information on our schedule contact 
Mr. Frank Mirizio, Principal, at (480)838-3200 or fmirizio@tuhsd.k12.az.us