<p>Our HS has Block scheduling and it is great! It does seem to favor the more advanced kids in the beginning, as the pace is rapid and it is too much for some. Everyone does get the hang of it however, and it does prepare everyone for the type of schedule they will have in college.</p>
<p>One giant advantage of block scheduling is in your senior year. Lets say you are filling out those college applications, and “oh no, you need 4 years of math, and I only have 3” you can race to have your schedule changed before you submit those applications to include your 4th year of math for your second half of the year, giving you a total of 4 years of math before you graduate. That can be a great advantage when it comes to the fall of your senior year. And, usually, you have your decision, and deposit in on a college by May 1st, before those last grades are out. So, if you just need to pass, you know that (not a good route, but for some that is the way it works out) or, if you must have a minimum of a B, you can make darned sure you get that too with tutors, extra help, whatever it takes.</p>
<p>Our HS just changed from block scheduling to the full year format. I liked the block scheduling since it allowed the student to focus on a smaller number of subjects at one time. General scheduling was a pain though - D ended up with a very easy first semester and a tough schedule for the second semester last year. However, it was so much easier when it came to finals time.</p>
<p>We switched this year to the full year long rotating schedule. Rotating schedule has been a bit hard for everyone (teachers and students) to get used to. D has way more homework these days and has had to stay up late to get it finished. I also know that there are tests/projects in pretty much every subject next week - makes for some tired kids. But we were able to fit way more into her schedule this year as well…</p>
<p>At our school, teachers were split on what scheduling format they liked. Math teachers definitely wanted the year long schedule. Science teachers liked the block format better.
Personally, while we could fit more into her schedule, I think I preferred the block schedule - but time will tell if this will work better.</p>
<p>Our HS operates using a hybrid schedule - some classes are 4x4, AP/IB & Band/Orchestra/Yearbook/and such are A Day/B Day. It was confusing for me when DS was in 9th & 10th when he had both types, but not for him. I think the 4x4 is great for struggling students who may fail a core class one semester but have the chance to pass next semester. Not so great for math and foreign language. It is crazy for parents on Open House Night when we not only have to find the classrooms, but figure where we are supposed to be!</p>
<p>Goskids had block in middle school. Main factor in making move to private HS.<br>
While some liked only focusing on 4 subjects…there were many negatives for us. Teachers just couldn’t teach/keep focus for that length of time, thus kids ended up doing HW or goofing off…loss of teaching time. Our public school had Many holidays/non-student days/minimum days…so missing a day, was missing a lot of learning…same thing with illness: tough to catch up if you’re out for a day or two…so some sick kids came to school. There often was not time for teachers to deal with concepts that kids were struggling with–they had to keep moving forward. It was torture for ADHD kids (and therefore, tough on teachers and rest of class). When looking at HS, kids could have a math class first semester…then not until first semester of next year…no continuity. Kids with first semester classes really had to work to retain info for spring AP tests. And kids who had second semester classes had to cram lessons in before AP tests …and then twiddled thumbs until mid June release. Talked with veteran teachers…drama, science liked because they were able to to scenes, labs. English, Math, Foreign Language and Social Science teachers had considerable, compelling issues with block.</p>
<p>Google block scheduling…lots of negative data that convinced us to steer clear of it…</p>
<p>My kids have done well with 4x4 block, but I have doubts about it for lower level classes. Good teachers seem to be made better by it, and bad teachers worse. I think it works well with science (great for labs) and classes where discussion or out of the box activities are key, such as English and History. It’s least effective for math and foreign language. </p>
<p>AP tests are a big problem, especially in places that start school after Labor Day. Second semester doesn’t start til February so they have to put AP classes in the first semester. For $83 a test you’d think they’d come up with mid June test dates for late ending schools.</p>
<p>On the whole, I wouldn’t want to change from the 4x4 block. It takes a lot of stress away only having to worry about 4 classes at a time. And at schools with discipline issues it helps to decrease time spent in the halls.</p>