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Parent ForumApril 30, 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 with the resources we already have?
Would a modified block schedule improve student learning?
Agenda1. Introduce committee of staff & parents2. Process of inquiry3. Proposed modified block4. Benefits of a modified block5. Next steps6. Panel discussion with Q&A
Block Schedule Committee Educators Parents
Jeanne Donovan, PrincipalEric Mapes, Asst. PrincipalHannah Bjork, Spanish Ted Greenebaum, Science 8Jane Hickman, English 8/JournalismAnnie Holland, Core 7/History 8Joci Kelleher, Core 6/Study SkillsStella Kennedy, Core 6/Green TeamKim Lipkin, Art/LeadershipGina McKuen, Core 7/ShakespeareAmy Savage, Special EducationAnne Smith, Film/AnimationCamilla Thayer, Science 6 & 7
Jon ElliottMary Kelly, PMS PC PresidentKatie KorotzerSue LinShirley Rexrode, PMS PC VPEsther RogersLillis SternGautam Wadhwani, PMS PC Tsr
A Collaborative ProcessStaff inquiry began in 2010‐2011
First parent forum: October 19, 2011
Parents joined committee in October, 2011
Site visits, readings, discussions
Evolution of perspectives
Teachers voted to continue inquiry with a 2‐week trial period
“Traditional” vs. “Modified Block” ScheduleTraditional 7‐period day: each class meets every day
Modified BlockEach class meets four times per weekOne session per week approx. 90 minutes
PMS Modified Block Schedule
• 3 traditional and 2 blocked days
• Early dismissal at 2:05 pm every week on Wed
Why Change: Improved Learning
Longer instructional period
Allows for better, deeper grasp of concepts
Lends itself more effectively to multiple activities
Provides uninterrupted time for research and richer discussions
Reduces passing time, time spent on setup/clean up
Homework due less frequently, reduces student stress
Why this “Modified” Block?Easy to follow; same schedule every week
No change to course offerings
Two lunch periods every day
One day absence = checking in w/fewer teachers
Tutorial period once per week offers extra help
Special Ed. students receive services as per IEPs
Next StepsStaff Development
Three‐week trial: October 2012
Survey opinions of faculty, students, parents
Analyze survey data (faculty & committee)
Conduct teacher vote on final proposal:Majority of teachers must approvePrincipal & Superintendent must approve
Earliest possible implementation 2013‐2014
SummaryResult of a broad, judicious inquiry processMajority of teachers support opportunity for innovationTrial will determine if this can be implemented effectively to achieve our goalsCommunity input is valued; please contact:
Any parent member on the committeeEmail address: [email protected]
Sample Math Lesson: Polygons
50 ‐Minute Period
(3‐5 min) Get out materials(10‐15 min) Discuss homework(5 min) Quick Check
(15 min) Instruction: Polygons
(5‐10 min) Independent Practice
(3‐5 min) Pack up to change classes
93 – Minute Period
SameSameSame
(15 min) Instruction: Introduce Polygons(10 min) Collaborative Practice(15 min) Instruction: Similar and Congruent Polygons(18 min) Collaborative Practice
Same
Sample Science Lesson Comparison
50‐Minute Period
(10 min) Discuss homework(5 min) Explain lab (30 min) Experiment(5 min) Clean up
Debriefing lab must happen the next day.
93‐Minute Period
SameSame(5 min) Brainstorm hypotheses (small groups)(30 min) Experiment(10 min) Pair share results(15 min) Formal write up(18 min) Debrief & clean up
Sample History Lesson ComparisonResearch: Daily Life in Medieval Europe
(3 min) Turn in & recordhomework(20 min) Review note taking skills and strategies(25 min) Research and note taking
(2 min) Pack up
Same
Same
(50 min) Research and note taking(18 min) Collaboration and reflection
Same