The Impact Of Block Scheduling On Students With Learning Disabilities

This study examined the perceptions of both regular education and special education teachers concerning the impact that block scheduling has on the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic growth and success of high school students with an IEP in three school districts in south central Pennsylvania. The study also investigated whether teachers perceive block scheduling as a positive or negative factor in the effective education of high school students with an IEP. Data were collected through an online survey that included Likert-scale questions, open-ended responses, and one-to-one interviews. Forty-four regular education teachers and thirteen special education teachers from three public school districts in south central Pennsylvania participated on this survey. The findings of this study suggest that regular education and special education teachers both perceive, at comparable degrees, that block scheduling provides the time to build better relationships within their classes, allows teachers to better understand their students with an IEP, go deeper into the content, while providing a school climate that is slower and less chaotic. Even though there were many similarities, there were also discrepancies in the perceptions between regular education teachers and special education teachers when asked if the grades of students with an IEP improved in the block schedule.

"A wonderful guide for school leaders as they create a contemporary schedule for middle and high school students to take advantage of a variety of curricular offerings. This second addition is comprehensive, with numerous subject-centered examples and detailed specifics for those desiring to move to more advanced designs. It is no wonder why Queen is often referred to as the father of the new block schedule." —Henry Peel, Wachovia Distinguished Professor East Carolina University A comprehensive, step-by-step handbook on making the most of block scheduling! Block scheduling is one of the most popular ways of restructuring the school day, and schools engaged in some form of alternative scheduling have seen significant benefits. This ready-to-use guidebook provides educators with the tools they need to design a successful block scheduling program that results in better student-teacher rapport, more in-depth learning, improved discipline, higher morale, and better grades. Revised to include updated resources and a brand-new overview on block scheduling, this second edition provides: Insightful discussions of elementary, middle, and high schools on the block, including an in-depth case study of an ideal elementary curriculum Three specific block schedule models, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and ways to find the best fit Classroom management and student-centered instructional strategies for the block Guidance on curriculum alignment, instructional evaluation, and assessment methods Forms and sample lessons to get programs up and running For educators designing a new scheduling program or needing support for an existing one, The Block Scheduling Handbook is the ideal resource.

Adams and Salvaterra show how block scheduling can help teachers become more creative in instructional strategies and find higher satisfaction on the job. Students' grades improve, they can complete more courses and administrators and faculty can become more student-centered, discussion-oriented, and focused on complex academic tasks. Staff development and continual training throughout the change process are keys to implementing successful changes. Block Scheduling will help each school find its own pathway to success.