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Student Teacher: Jackson Northwest High School
TRIMESTER?......TRY AGAIN
EXAMINING THE ROLE SCHOOL SCHEDULING PLAYS IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Jeff DeMoss
Scheduling Options Semester
Year broken into two semestersTypically 6 or 7 periods in a day (45-55 minutes)
TrimesterYear broken into three trimestersTypically 4 or 5 periods in a day (60-75 minutes)
BlockCan exist under trimester or semester year
schedule4 (75+ minutes) periodsSame class every other day
Research Schools have used changes in school
scheduling as an attempt at a cost-effective fix for low test scores
Mainly Anecdotal Schools trying to convince themselves what
they did was right decision McCreary/Hausman 2001 Study:
“Differences in Student Outcomes Between Block, Semester and Trimester Schedules”
McCreary/Hausman Study
3 urban high schools in same district over 4 years Semester/Trimester/Block Schedules
A. SAT Test ScoresB. GPAC. Absentee RatesD. Credits Attempted/Earned
Study controlled for background differences between schools
High School Info
Oakwood Semesters 7 periods – 48 minutes long
Jefferson (Similar to Northwest) Trimesters 5 periods – 63 minutes long
Washington Block 4 periods – 83 minutes long – every other day
Roughly 2,000 students in each
Jackson Northwest High School
1,084 Students Has missed AYP for 5 straight years At risk of going into phase 5 of
government intervention program for struggling schools
07/08 Block Semesters 08/09 Flex Trimesters 09/10 Trimesters
Northwest High Schedule
Yearly Schedule 1st Tri – Sep. 8th - Nov. 23rd 2nd Tri – Nov. 30th - March 5th 3rd Tri – March 8th - June 11th
Roughly 12 week long TrimestersDaily Schedule
5 Periods (7:30-2:30)Same classes every day
Breadth vs. Depth Pacing Guides
Trying to cram what used to be done in 18 weeks into 12 weeks
Social Studies is far more interesting in detail Essential info cut out Math/Science prerequisites messed up
Rushed Schedule
+ Common Assignments
= Lack of teacher freedom/creativity
Class Time
Longer class periods supposed to equal more individual attention from teacher Longer class periods also = extreme
boredom Students get worn out – changing classes
refreshes
Studies show that longer periods do not necessarily equate to more innovative/diverse instruction
Trimester Positives
Chance for more electives Students list this as #1 reason they like
trimesters
Students have greater opportunity to make up failed classes Double edged sword – less pressure to pass
1st time
Teachers have less classes to prepare for each tri……but more classes in a year
Conclusions
Trimester Schedule Crammed pacing guide = lack of depth Student performance diminishes – lack of
pressure Longer periods mean less attentiveness
Semester schedule is the best option Cover more material and in greater depth More pressure to perform 1st time taking class Teachers have greater opportunity to implement
creative, in depth lessons and projects