Student Teacher: Jackson Northwest High School

TRIMESTER?......TRY AGAIN

EXAMINING THE ROLE SCHOOL SCHEDULING PLAYS IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Jeff DeMoss

Scheduling Options Semester

Year broken into two semestersTypically 6 or 7 periods in a day (45-55 minutes)

TrimesterYear broken into three trimestersTypically 4 or 5 periods in a day (60-75 minutes)

BlockCan exist under trimester or semester year

schedule4 (75+ minutes) periodsSame class every other day

Research Schools have used changes in school

scheduling as an attempt at a cost-effective fix for low test scores

Mainly Anecdotal Schools trying to convince themselves what

they did was right decision McCreary/Hausman 2001 Study:

“Differences in Student Outcomes Between Block, Semester and Trimester Schedules”

McCreary/Hausman Study

3 urban high schools in same district over 4 years Semester/Trimester/Block Schedules

A. SAT Test ScoresB. GPAC. Absentee RatesD. Credits Attempted/Earned

Study controlled for background differences between schools

High School Info

Oakwood Semesters 7 periods – 48 minutes long

Jefferson (Similar to Northwest) Trimesters 5 periods – 63 minutes long

Washington Block 4 periods – 83 minutes long – every other day

Roughly 2,000 students in each

GPA Comparison

2.35

School Comparison

Days Absent (as % of total days)

50 more students absent per day under Trimester schedule

Jackson Northwest High School

1,084 Students Has missed AYP for 5 straight years At risk of going into phase 5 of

government intervention program for struggling schools

07/08 Block Semesters 08/09 Flex Trimesters 09/10 Trimesters

Northwest High Schedule

Yearly Schedule 1st Tri – Sep. 8th - Nov. 23rd 2nd Tri – Nov. 30th - March 5th 3rd Tri – March 8th - June 11th

Roughly 12 week long TrimestersDaily Schedule

5 Periods (7:30-2:30)Same classes every day

Breadth vs. Depth Pacing Guides

Trying to cram what used to be done in 18 weeks into 12 weeks

Social Studies is far more interesting in detail Essential info cut out Math/Science prerequisites messed up

Rushed Schedule

+ Common Assignments

= Lack of teacher freedom/creativity

Class Time

Longer class periods supposed to equal more individual attention from teacher Longer class periods also = extreme

boredom Students get worn out – changing classes

refreshes

Studies show that longer periods do not necessarily equate to more innovative/diverse instruction

Trimester Positives

Chance for more electives Students list this as #1 reason they like

trimesters

Students have greater opportunity to make up failed classes Double edged sword – less pressure to pass

1st time

Teachers have less classes to prepare for each tri……but more classes in a year

Conclusions

Trimester Schedule Crammed pacing guide = lack of depth Student performance diminishes – lack of

pressure Longer periods mean less attentiveness

Semester schedule is the best option Cover more material and in greater depth More pressure to perform 1st time taking class Teachers have greater opportunity to implement

creative, in depth lessons and projects