“Success in schools occurs when time is allowed to interact with and drive (a) the work of teachers and principals, (b) the use of data, and (c) the cultivation of excellence (culture). Only together can these components have their maximum impact. Isolated from one another – including not having sufficient time to make all the components work in concert – the efforts to improve student outcomes will remain more limited.” – David Farbman, NCTL
Norms
Be on time and stay on time.
Assume best intentions.
Have clear goals, a set agenda, and follow-through.
Share airtime and be open and present for all perspectives. Remember everyone has a different story.
Be collaborative, positive, and forward-thinking and solution-driven.
Stay focused on the why and stay aware of the task.
Design Specifications
Clear continuum from 5th-8th grade that considers how we transition kids from self-contained to the high school experiece. Schedules do not have to be the same for grades 5-8.
Minimize lunches: no more than 3
Minimum of 180 minutes per week (4, 45 minute time periods). You are encouraged to find more.
Allied Arts teachers should have time built in to support core programming.
Instructional blocks do not need to be the same amount of time. Trimester rotation can be adjusted. The first half of the year can look different than the second half of the year.
Consider co-facilitated blocks potentially with larger groups if/when instructionally appropriate.
Consider multi-grade learning opportunities in core subjects to maximize personnel strengths.
Primary Person Model has meaningful time built in.
Our Process
Review Design Specifications
Look through other school models and schedules: February 13, 2025
Design schedules individually or in teams. Be sure to get feedback from peers and students.
Bring back schedules for critique: April 3, 2025/April 10, 2025
Make adjustments and continue to get feedback from others. At this point some ideas might combine.
Final presentations of schedules: April 17, 2025
May: Choose a schedule and plan communicatiion to students and families.