The Block Scheduling Handbook
Second Edition
J. Allen Queen
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA
Purchase
eBook
ISBN:
9781452280387
Available from
January 0001
Paperback
ISBN:
9781412963015
Available from
January 0001
Description
"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.
Contents
Dedication and Acknowledgments
Dedication and Acknowledgments
About the Author
- 1. The Current Status of Block Scheduling
- 2. Block Scheduling and the High School
- 3. Developmental Aspects of Growth and Behavior
- Physical Development From Early Childhood
- Through Adolescence
- Cognitive Growth
- Characteristics of Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
- Schemata and the Process of Assimilation, Accomodation, and Equilibration
- The Sensori-Motor Period
- The Period of Preoperational Thought
- The Period of Concrete Operations
- The Period of Formal Operations
- Cognitive Theory and Block Instruction
- Personality Development
- Erikson's Stages of Personality Development
- Implications of Erikson's Theory for Block Instruction
- 4. Building the Block Culture in the School
- 5. Selecting the Best Fit
- The 4´4 Block Schedule Model
- The A/B Block Schedule Model
- The Modified Block
- New Lesson Designs for the Block
- 6. Block Scheduling in the Middle School
- The Middle School Defined
- Characteristics of the Middle School
- Team Teaching Interdisciplinary Teaming
- Block Classes or Periods
- Advisory Programs
- Benefits of the Block Schedule in the Middle School
- Shortfalls of the Traditional Schedule
- The Flexible/Alternate/Navigate (FAN) Models
- Advantages of Modified Schedules in the Middle School
- Teaching in the Block in the Middle School
- Summary
- 7. The Elementary School on the Block
- Historical Events Impacting the Elementary School
- National Initiatives
- America 2000
- Part 1: For Today's Students, Better, More Accountable Schools
- Part 2: For Tomorrow's Students, a New Generation of American Schools
- Part 3: For the Rest of Us (Yesterday's Students and Today's Workforce), a Nation of Students
- Part 4: Communities Where Learning Can Happen
- Goals 2000: Educate America Act
- A State Example: The Elementary Curriculum in North Carolina
- Technology
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Fine Arts: Dance
- Fine Arts: Music
- Fine Arts: Theater
- Fine Arts: Visual Arts
- Organizational Patterns
- Disadvantages of Graded Arrangement
- Alternative Possibilities for Scheduling
- 4-Blocks Model for Elementary Education
- Parallel Block Scheduling
- Summary
- 8. Aligning Standards and Course Content
- Models for Use of Instructional Time
- Limiting Content
- Notes to Remember
- Assigning Outside Content
- Integrating Content: C-Clustering
- Curriculum Alignment and Instructional Pacing
- Curriculum Alignment Phase 1
- Curriculum Alignment Phase 2
- Instructional Pacing Phase 1
- Instructional Pacing Phase 2
- 9. Sample of Curriculum Alignment and Pacing
- 10. Effective Instructional Strategies for Block Scheduling
- Cooperative Learning
- The Case Method
- Socratic Seminar
- Synectics
- Concept Attainment
- Inquiry Method
- Simulations
- Recommendations for Improving Block Scheduling for the Future
- 11. Teacher-Directed Instruction
- Direct Instruction as a Teaching Model
- Direct Instruction as a Continuum of Teaching Behaviors
- Summary
- Our Mr. Jefferson: A Sample Teacher-Directed Lesson
- 12. Discovery and Inquiry
- Discovery Learning
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- The Inquiry Training Model
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- Building the Tower: A Sample Discovery Method Activity
- 13. Simulations and Role Play
- Simulations
- Forms for the Simulation Model
- Rationale for Appropriate Use
- Lesson Design
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- Gifted and Talented Simulation: A Sample Lesson Using Simulation
- 14. Cooperative Learning
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- The Case Method
- Summary
- Building the Perfect School: A Cooperative Staff Development Activity
- 15. Synectics
- History and Research
- Gordon's Stages of Creativity
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- To Kill a Mockingbird: A Syectics Sample Lesson
- 16. Socratic Seminar
- Group Discussion and Student Participation
- What Happened: A Socratic Seminar
- 17. Instructional Assessment
- Methods of Instructional Evaluation
- Presassessment
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Assessment of Student Acheivement
- Portfolio
- Unit Evaluation
- Lesson Evaluation
- A Positive Classroom Climate Through Instruction
- 18. Program Evaluation and Student Assessment
- Reasons for Evaluation
- Defining Program Evaluation
- Instructional Evaluation
- Summary
- Evaluation Resource 1: Block Schedule Teacher Survey
- Evaluation Resource 2: Teacher Survey: High School Instruction
- 19. A Guide to Traditional and Authentic Assessment
- Writing and Evaluating Test Items
- Parts of a Test Item
- Categorizing Items on Cognitive Levels
- Evaluating Test Items
- Using Authentic Assessment for Student Evaluation
- The Trouble With Tests Is...
- What Is Authentic Assessment?
- Brain Growth, Brain Enrichment, and Attention
- Effective Implementation of Authentic Assessment
- Multiple Intelligences and Authentic Assessment
- Types of Authentic Assessment
References, Recommended Readings
References, Recommended Readings
Internet Resources
Internet Resources
Index
Index
Additional materials
Description
"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.
Contents
Dedication and Acknowledgments
Dedication and Acknowledgments
About the Author
- 1. The Current Status of Block Scheduling
- 2. Block Scheduling and the High School
- 3. Developmental Aspects of Growth and Behavior
- Physical Development From Early Childhood
- Through Adolescence
- Cognitive Growth
- Characteristics of Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
- Schemata and the Process of Assimilation, Accomodation, and Equilibration
- The Sensori-Motor Period
- The Period of Preoperational Thought
- The Period of Concrete Operations
- The Period of Formal Operations
- Cognitive Theory and Block Instruction
- Personality Development
- Erikson's Stages of Personality Development
- Implications of Erikson's Theory for Block Instruction
- 4. Building the Block Culture in the School
- 5. Selecting the Best Fit
- The 4´4 Block Schedule Model
- The A/B Block Schedule Model
- The Modified Block
- New Lesson Designs for the Block
- 6. Block Scheduling in the Middle School
- The Middle School Defined
- Characteristics of the Middle School
- Team Teaching Interdisciplinary Teaming
- Block Classes or Periods
- Advisory Programs
- Benefits of the Block Schedule in the Middle School
- Shortfalls of the Traditional Schedule
- The Flexible/Alternate/Navigate (FAN) Models
- Advantages of Modified Schedules in the Middle School
- Teaching in the Block in the Middle School
- Summary
- 7. The Elementary School on the Block
- Historical Events Impacting the Elementary School
- National Initiatives
- America 2000
- Part 1: For Today's Students, Better, More Accountable Schools
- Part 2: For Tomorrow's Students, a New Generation of American Schools
- Part 3: For the Rest of Us (Yesterday's Students and Today's Workforce), a Nation of Students
- Part 4: Communities Where Learning Can Happen
- Goals 2000: Educate America Act
- A State Example: The Elementary Curriculum in North Carolina
- Technology
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Fine Arts: Dance
- Fine Arts: Music
- Fine Arts: Theater
- Fine Arts: Visual Arts
- Organizational Patterns
- Disadvantages of Graded Arrangement
- Alternative Possibilities for Scheduling
- 4-Blocks Model for Elementary Education
- Parallel Block Scheduling
- Summary
- 8. Aligning Standards and Course Content
- Models for Use of Instructional Time
- Limiting Content
- Notes to Remember
- Assigning Outside Content
- Integrating Content: C-Clustering
- Curriculum Alignment and Instructional Pacing
- Curriculum Alignment Phase 1
- Curriculum Alignment Phase 2
- Instructional Pacing Phase 1
- Instructional Pacing Phase 2
- 9. Sample of Curriculum Alignment and Pacing
- 10. Effective Instructional Strategies for Block Scheduling
- Cooperative Learning
- The Case Method
- Socratic Seminar
- Synectics
- Concept Attainment
- Inquiry Method
- Simulations
- Recommendations for Improving Block Scheduling for the Future
- 11. Teacher-Directed Instruction
- Direct Instruction as a Teaching Model
- Direct Instruction as a Continuum of Teaching Behaviors
- Summary
- Our Mr. Jefferson: A Sample Teacher-Directed Lesson
- 12. Discovery and Inquiry
- Discovery Learning
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- The Inquiry Training Model
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- Building the Tower: A Sample Discovery Method Activity
- 13. Simulations and Role Play
- Simulations
- Forms for the Simulation Model
- Rationale for Appropriate Use
- Lesson Design
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- Gifted and Talented Simulation: A Sample Lesson Using Simulation
- 14. Cooperative Learning
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- The Case Method
- Summary
- Building the Perfect School: A Cooperative Staff Development Activity
- 15. Synectics
- History and Research
- Gordon's Stages of Creativity
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- To Kill a Mockingbird: A Syectics Sample Lesson
- 16. Socratic Seminar
- Group Discussion and Student Participation
- What Happened: A Socratic Seminar
- 17. Instructional Assessment
- Methods of Instructional Evaluation
- Presassessment
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Assessment of Student Acheivement
- Portfolio
- Unit Evaluation
- Lesson Evaluation
- A Positive Classroom Climate Through Instruction
- 18. Program Evaluation and Student Assessment
- Reasons for Evaluation
- Defining Program Evaluation
- Instructional Evaluation
- Summary
- Evaluation Resource 1: Block Schedule Teacher Survey
- Evaluation Resource 2: Teacher Survey: High School Instruction
- 19. A Guide to Traditional and Authentic Assessment
- Writing and Evaluating Test Items
- Parts of a Test Item
- Categorizing Items on Cognitive Levels
- Evaluating Test Items
- Using Authentic Assessment for Student Evaluation
- The Trouble With Tests Is...
- What Is Authentic Assessment?
- Brain Growth, Brain Enrichment, and Attention
- Effective Implementation of Authentic Assessment
- Multiple Intelligences and Authentic Assessment
- Types of Authentic Assessment
References, Recommended Readings
References, Recommended Readings
Internet Resources
Internet Resources
Index
Index
Additional materials
Reviews
December 2008 | 288 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 01/01/2025 | 9781412963015 | $44.95 |
| Hardcover | 27/02/2023 | 9781412963008 | $99.95 |
| Lifetime | 01/02/2026 | 9781452280387 | $41.00 |
"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.
Table Of Contents:
- Dedication and Acknowledgments
- About the Author
- 1. The Current Status of Block Scheduling
- 2. Block Scheduling and the High School
- 3. Developmental Aspects of Growth and Behavior
- Physical Development From Early Childhood
- Through Adolescence
- Cognitive Growth
- Characteristics of Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
- Schemata and the Process of Assimilation, Accomodation, and Equilibration
- The Sensori-Motor Period
- The Period of Preoperational Thought
- The Period of Concrete Operations
- The Period of Formal Operations
- Cognitive Theory and Block Instruction
- Personality Development
- Erikson's Stages of Personality Development
- Implications of Erikson's Theory for Block Instruction
- 4. Building the Block Culture in the School
- 5. Selecting the Best Fit
- The 4´4 Block Schedule Model
- The A/B Block Schedule Model
- The Modified Block
- New Lesson Designs for the Block
- 6. Block Scheduling in the Middle School
- The Middle School Defined
- Characteristics of the Middle School
- Team Teaching Interdisciplinary Teaming
- Block Classes or Periods
- Advisory Programs
- Benefits of the Block Schedule in the Middle School
- Shortfalls of the Traditional Schedule
- The Flexible/Alternate/Navigate (FAN) Models
- Advantages of Modified Schedules in the Middle School
- Teaching in the Block in the Middle School
- Summary
- 7. The Elementary School on the Block
- Historical Events Impacting the Elementary School
- National Initiatives
- America 2000
- Part 1: For Today's Students, Better, More Accountable Schools
- Part 2: For Tomorrow's Students, a New Generation of American Schools
- Part 3: For the Rest of Us (Yesterday's Students and Today's Workforce), a Nation of Students
- Part 4: Communities Where Learning Can Happen
- Goals 2000: Educate America Act
- A State Example: The Elementary Curriculum in North Carolina
- Technology
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Fine Arts: Dance
- Fine Arts: Music
- Fine Arts: Theater
- Fine Arts: Visual Arts
- Organizational Patterns
- Disadvantages of Graded Arrangement
- Alternative Possibilities for Scheduling
- 4-Blocks Model for Elementary Education
- Parallel Block Scheduling
- Summary
- 8. Aligning Standards and Course Content
- Models for Use of Instructional Time
- Limiting Content
- Notes to Remember
- Assigning Outside Content
- Integrating Content: C-Clustering
- Curriculum Alignment and Instructional Pacing
- Curriculum Alignment Phase 1
- Curriculum Alignment Phase 2
- Instructional Pacing Phase 1
- Instructional Pacing Phase 2
- 9. Sample of Curriculum Alignment and Pacing
- 10. Effective Instructional Strategies for Block Scheduling
- Cooperative Learning
- The Case Method
- Socratic Seminar
- Synectics
- Concept Attainment
- Inquiry Method
- Simulations
- Recommendations for Improving Block Scheduling for the Future
- 11. Teacher-Directed Instruction
- Direct Instruction as a Teaching Model
- Direct Instruction as a Continuum of Teaching Behaviors
- Summary
- Our Mr. Jefferson: A Sample Teacher-Directed Lesson
- 12. Discovery and Inquiry
- Discovery Learning
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- The Inquiry Training Model
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- Building the Tower: A Sample Discovery Method Activity
- 13. Simulations and Role Play
- Simulations
- Forms for the Simulation Model
- Rationale for Appropriate Use
- Lesson Design
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- Gifted and Talented Simulation: A Sample Lesson Using Simulation
- 14. Cooperative Learning
- History and Research
- Promises and Pitfalls
- The Case Method
- Summary
- Building the Perfect School: A Cooperative Staff Development Activity
- 15. Synectics
- History and Research
- Gordon's Stages of Creativity
- Promises and Pitfalls
- Summary
- To Kill a Mockingbird: A Syectics Sample Lesson
- 16. Socratic Seminar
- Group Discussion and Student Participation
- What Happened: A Socratic Seminar
- 17. Instructional Assessment
- Methods of Instructional Evaluation
- Presassessment
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Assessment of Student Acheivement
- Portfolio
- Unit Evaluation
- Lesson Evaluation
- A Positive Classroom Climate Through Instruction
- 18. Program Evaluation and Student Assessment
- Reasons for Evaluation
- Defining Program Evaluation
- Instructional Evaluation
- Summary
- Evaluation Resource 1: Block Schedule Teacher Survey
- Evaluation Resource 2: Teacher Survey: High School Instruction
- 19. A Guide to Traditional and Authentic Assessment
- Writing and Evaluating Test Items
- Parts of a Test Item
- Categorizing Items on Cognitive Levels
- Evaluating Test Items
- Using Authentic Assessment for Student Evaluation
- The Trouble With Tests Is...
- What Is Authentic Assessment?
- Brain Growth, Brain Enrichment, and Attention
- Effective Implementation of Authentic Assessment
- Multiple Intelligences and Authentic Assessment
- Types of Authentic Assessment
- References, Recommended Readings
- Internet Resources
- Index
Recent Product Reviews:
"This is the complete, step-by-step guide for administrators and teachers interested in all stages of going to or improving instruction on the block. Building on its predecessor as well as the author’s international and national reputation and experience, this edition includes numerous subject-centered examples and detailed specifics for those interested in moving to more advanced designs. If you have one book on block scheduling in your library, it should be this one."
Bob Algozzine, Director, Behavior and Reading Improvement Center
"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 edition 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
"An excellent step-by-step guide to all the stages of improving instruction on the block schedule at any level. As a guest faculty member at our university in China, Dr. Queen used the text to train numerous doctoral students, school principals, and classroom teachers in this scheduling practice. The new edition is even more advanced, with excellent designs and detailed activities in a variety of subject areas."
Ding Zhenguo, Vice President, China University of Geosciences
"The research-based principles espoused in this handbook helped transform our upper school into a true college preparatory institution. This complete how-to book provides valuable, concrete ideas for subject area teachers while supporting administrative efforts to maximize opportunities using block scheduling. I highly recommend this book if your school is initiating, adapting, or question the block scheduling approach. This book will reinvigorate your efforts to truly impact student learning."
James Freemyer, Associate Professor, Indiana Wesleyan University
"Should be required reading for every high school administrator and educators in general. By highlighting research-based best practices, the author has put forth cutting-edge strategies that will not only improve student achievement, but also provide teachers with 21st-century skills to differentiate instruction."
Jim R. Watson, Retired Superintendent, Lincoln County Schools, NC