Scheduling+Committee+Meeting+Notes

Feel free to add info that I forgot to include


 * Purpose of Considering Scheduling Options
 * The MS Grade level configuration committees visited MS-all schools utilized a block schedule
 * Kathy shared very good information from Dexter: On the "Schools to Watch List: Nationwide recognition
 * Many of the ideas they have in place-we already do except block scheduling: Teaming, Advisory, SLC, Collaboration Time, etc.
 * Kagan Training on Block Scheduling for Teachers is a must
 * Our Current Conditions:
 * Many students are not proficient (or not performing at grade level) in writing, reading and math (AYP Targets)
 * More time with our kids would be helpful
 * Extended Literacy requirement by curriculum office
 * Next year's achievement scores are required to be part of Teacher Evaluation
 * Lots of hallway drama
 * Other Ideas to explore:
 * rotating schedules (different hours rotate like Monday block 1 is first, Tuesday block 2 is first, etc)
 * Staggered classtime dismissal
 * Plan for Thursday 5/19/11
 * Share back any data that people may have found
 * Determine what is best for kids
 * Decide what factors are necessary to be in place if a new schedule is going to work
 * Review information presented in Scheduling: To Improve Student Learning by Ron Williamson
 * The committee's goal is to present a recommendation to the staff on June 1
 * Thoughts from Thursday:
 * Electives are every day, not every other
 * Must have training--concerned right before school starts is all we can do
 * Must revamp how we organize and structure the time for kids
 * ELA could really employ Writer's Workshop Techniques
 * Kids sitting for 90 minutes is a long time
 * What do you do with non-learners for 90 minutes
 * Breakfast Club would its own Advisory or Advisories
 * a PBS coordinator could create Advisory plans that ensures that PBS is strongly connected to Advisory
 * I found another website that maybe helpful for teachers if they need ideas of how to plan for 90 minutes

http://blogs.scholastic.com/9_12/2008/10/effective-teach.html Tami > >  [] > >  [] > > >  Not sure if these will be of any interest, but you can check them out if you have time:) > >  Tami  > > Goals for Tuesday: I am going to try to show a few different samples found in the book with actual times and how our day would look > > >
 *  am looking on line to find more information on block scheduling. Here are a few websites I've found.