High School Principals Tout Successes of Block Scheduling

The principals of Middletown’s public high schools said that block scheduling has been a success so far, leading to a rise in attendance and greater opportunity for students to participate in academics and clubs.

Both High School North and South moved to block scheduling for the 2012-13 school year. During a presentation to the Board of Education Tuesday night, school leaders attributed positive changes in their buildings to the new scheduling.

Notably, attendance rates in all grades levels in the high schools rose from 89.71 percent during the 2011-12 school year—before block scheduling—to 96.19 percent in 2012-13, according to data presented by the educators.

“The percentages speak for themselves,” said High School North Principal Patricia Cartier.

Suspension rates have fallen 15 percent during that same time period, from 401 in 2011-12 to 343 in 2012-13. Additionally, Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System and Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying numbers have decreased.

“This goes hand-in-hand with the suspension rate,” said High School South Principal Patrick Rinella.

Under block scheduling, the school day is divided into five blocks lasting 80 minutes, with the exception of a 52-minute block that is divided into a 26-minute lunch and 26-minute advisory period. Before the scheduling change, classes were 48 minutes.

Block scheduling allows students the opportunity to participate in clubs and other activities during their advisory period, rather than after school, which administrators said leads to greater participation. For example, they can use their school’s weight room, participate in student government or attend choir practice.

Students can also use the libraries and their resources, which helps get them ready for post-secondary school life, Cartier said.

“Students are coming to study, use the computers, and so forth,” she said.

The schools have also seen an uptick in Advanced Placement course offerings and better results on those college-level tests since the scheduling change.

“This is a result of going from 48 minutes of instruction to 80 minutes of instruction,” Cartier said.

Increased instructional time makes students feel better prepared for college and allows them to pace their study time, which improves “academic stamina and rigor,” according to Cartier.

“We’re very pleased with the results,” she said.

Superintendent William George said during a presentation in 2012 before the implementation of block scheduling that it “can improve teaching and learning.”