School Schedules: 6 Types You Should Know About

Educators today are charged with finding the best way to maximize the limited time which exists in the school day. One of their greatest tools to accomplish this is by finding a flexible learning schedule. One method of scheduling, identified as traditional period scheduling, implies that students in school attend six or seven classes every day they are in attendance. However, the block schedule, a model which increases the class time and decreases the number of classes students attend each day, is gaining popularity.

While this concept of switching from the traditional schedule to the block schedule might seem like a lot of extra effort for staff members, if implemented successfully, it can provide staff members more options for them as educators. Several schools and educational institutions have successfully implemented a flexible block by making minor modifications. Moreover, school administrators can choose a wide variety of school schedule options to support their vision and goals and do what’s best for their students.

Understanding Flex Block Scheduling

Under the block schedule, middle or high school learners attend four classes every day for approximately 90 minutes per period. This block scheduling method is comparable to class periods in a university setting in which classes that take place once or twice a week run for an extended duration.

Some teachers, learners, and parents favor block scheduling over the traditional schedule because it provides more time for comprehensive instructions resulting in a more dynamic learning process. This 90-minute block provides adequate time for instruction and sufficient time for laboratory work, group discussion, or individual work on extended responses. A longer class time enables educators to also provide more personalized attention to students and better help those grappling with the subject matter.

For example, if any student faces complications in maths or another subject, mentors can readily solve all the misgivings in the lecture itself, given the longer class schedule.

Different Types of School Schedules

Below are some common types of school schedules that you can try implementing.

4x4 Block Schedule

The conventional four-by-four block schedule is popular among high schools. Under this schedule, some students receive small breaks to interact with their classmates and transition to the next class. This allows students time to socialize with each other in between classes and successfully move to their next class.

A/B Block Schedule

This is another block schedule type in which students attend different sets of lectures on alternate days. Some educational institutions label these as A/B days. In this type of school schedule, students attend one set of three to four classes, 60 to 90 minutes in length on the A-day, and the second set of classes on the B-day.

The A/B block schedule allows students to have a variety of classes while still being provided the extended time in each class that they do not receive in a traditional schedule. The instructional staff is also provided with just four classes to prepare for each day as well. One caveat, though, under the A/B Block Schedule is that a student who is absent faces a challenge in making up the material missed.

Multiple Period Flex Block

The third type of school schedule is a multiple period flex block schedule where schools and educational institutions divide their flex block into multiple periods. These various periods can be two, three, or even more recurring periods. Usually, one of these periods is utilized as a lunch break, and the others are used as flex blocks for enrichment or intervention activities such as group counseling or career planning.

Rotating Block Schedule

While the rotating school schedule can be challenging to initiate, it provides learners and educators with many alternatives and enhanced flexibility. This type of school schedule may take place over several days during the term. These days are strategically implemented for times when student need for extended periods is high, for example, when a counseling session or an additional period for a specific purpose is required. This can be particularly beneficial for schools and educational institutions with high student enrollment.

Rotating Drop Schedule

A rotating drop school schedule customarily comprises a 7 or 8-period class rotational schedule. This system is comparable to the rotating school schedule. Every day the rotation of classes varies; however, with a rotating drop school schedule, students typically attend only 5 or 6 of the 8 cumulative available classes every day.

For instance, students attend 6 out of 8 periods every day. On the initial days, they attend periods 1 to 6, and periods 7 and 8 are dropped for that day. The dropped 7th and 8th periods are added to day 2, resulting in the cycle’s 5 and 6 periods being pushed back. The cycle continues providing classes that may require additional instructional time to meet that need.

Traditional 6 or 7 Period Day Schedule

The traditional 6 or 7period day comprises a 45-55 minute subject class duration with lunch, electives, and homeroom/enrichment periods built into the schedule. This traditional period schedule is still the most prevalent school schedule in educational institutions. Students attend six or seven different classes every day for the term in which they are in. Each new term may bring students new classes dependent upon the institution’s curriculum and offerings.

The traditional schedule is still the most manageable in terms of staffing responsibilities, student course offerings, lunch schedules, and bussing. It has traditionally remained and approximately 62% of high schools use a traditional 6 or 7 period day schedule.

Block vs Traditional School Schedules

Block school scheduling is one of the most innovative approaches to student scheduling. The lengthier sessions provide students and instructors time for an in-depth understanding of the material, the ability to work on papers, group projects, or exams, and a richer, fuller opportunity to connect with the instructor and their classmates.

On the other hand, students in a traditional school schedule attend all classes every day, allowing daily contact with the instructor and material. Both approaches, block scheduling, and traditional school scheduling, offer unique benefits and limitations.

Benefits of Block School Scheduling

Block school schedules serve educators who fundamentally utilize project-based class tasks. In this type of school schedule, mentors have more planning time and can readily individualize instruction and cater to fewer students per day.

Also, students possess more time to form clubs, collaborate, and build projects. This way, the hallways remain quieter, and students get fewer transitional intervals between classes. Moreover, students who hold extracurricular pursuits get more time to engage in these activities.

Limitations of Block School Schedule

Arguments against the block school schedule include the allegation that educators tend not to utilize the entire 90 minutes span of the class session. Also, this scheduling method can be a detriment to students who are absent; as classes take place less often, students who are absent struggle to catch up on material and assignments.

Furthermore, the 90 minute period might appear too intimidating for the teacher and the student. Teachers require substantial professional development to successfully implement a block school schedule that balances lectures and assessments. An institution transitioning to the block school schedule must accept the need for this level of professional development.

Benefits of Traditional School Schedule

A benefit of a traditional school schedule is that educators meet every student daily in their given subject, fostering better student retention. Also, this everyday student interaction keeps minds energized and more concentrated on classroom subject matter and assessments.

Moreover, the traditional schedule allows students to interact with their teachers every day, building the connection which allows students to be more engaged with their teacher. The teacher will also be more aware of a student’s behavior change, which may signal a student in crisis.

Limitations of Traditional School Schedule

One significant disadvantage of a traditional school schedule is that learners have to prepare for 6 to 7 classes every day, resulting in homework and assignments.

Moreover, on some days, students might have several tests that become difficult to manage. Though it makes students more organized by teaching them time management skills, preparing for all their assessments can become challenging.

Final Words

Today, schools are responsible for providing students with so many things; challenging curriculum, effective instruction, and meeting students' social and emotional needs. Every minute counts for both teachers and students. Effective scheduling is paramount in meeting these needs. As you can see, there is no one size fits all schedule for institutions; the choice is yours. Make every minute count.