Dallas High School-“On the Block”

What is Block Scheduling?

 

       As you may have noticed, there is a difference in class schedules when a student enters Dallas High School from the Middle School.  Dallas Middle School employs a traditional class schedule while the High School operates under a block or intensified scheduling format.  The following information should provide a fundamental understanding of block scheduling and how it is utilized at Dallas High School.  We encourage all stakeholders to research and educate themselves on this topic as we continually examine our educational structure to meet and anticipate the changing needs of our students.

       Block scheduling is defined as where at least part of the daily schedule is organized into larger periods of time (more than sixty minutes) to allow for flexibility in providing a diversity of instructional activities.  The format is based on the philosophy of fewer classes each day for longer periods of time.  The classes at Dallas High School are eighty-one minutes in length.  There are several variations of the block scheduling concept.  Local circumstances guide decisions, and there are almost as many variations as there are schools that employ the format.  The following are examples of block scheduling variations.

 

The 4x4 Schedule – In each of two semesters, students take four courses that are equivalent to a full credit or year of instruction.  They earn credits each year for the possibility of thirty-two credits over four years.  Teachers have three courses daily each semester with a planning period the length of a regular period.

 

The Modified 4x4 Schedule – (The format employed by Dallas High School) This variation employs the same format as a 4x4 schedule with the addition of a smaller period during the day.  Dallas High School uses this “Flex Period” to conduct lunches, tutorials, clubs, and activities.  This is also the time when assemblies are held.

 

The A/B or Alternating Schedule – Students take three courses on two alternating days or six in all for the school year.  The fourth period is available for study, assistance from teachers, or the participation in clubs and specific extra-curricular activities.

 

       The Dallas School District believes that given more class time, teachers are freer to experiment with a variety of learning strategies such as projects, alternative assessment, cooperative learning and other hands-on and interactive activities.  The schedule also provides more opportunities to take advantage of community resources such as guest speakers, mini field trips, and job shadowing.  Other advantages include:

· Preparation for four classes each semester instead of six or seven

· The opportunity to re-take failed courses during the same year

· Teachers have more opportunity to prepare and provide individual/small group instruction

· Greater communication between student/teacher/parent