On Monday, January 26, 2009, the Board of Education approved a resolution for the administration to move forward with a new class schedule no later than the 2010-11 school year.  Our school starting time and dismissal time will remain unchanged with the new schedule.   The impetus and recommendation to implement a new student schedule came from the strategic plan developed in the fall of 2007. Our current rotating eight-period schedule is simply inconsistent with our overriding objective of improving student achievement.  There is a direct correlation between academic achievement and the amount of available class time.  The current rotating schedule limits the number of class meetings and instructional minutes.   The current schedule also includes too much study time that is not always productively used.  

A schedule planning committee comprised of an administrator, community, and staff members met during the spring and summer of 2008.  The schedule planning committee approved, in concept, a new class schedule with extended class period often referred to as “blocks.”  A schedule implementation team including administrators, community, and staff members then reviewed the recommendation of the planning team and used that criteria to consider the practical implications of a new class schedule. 
The new schedule provides for more instructional time for students.  The new schedule is referred to as a Seven Plus with Blocks class schedule.  In reality, the Seven Plus with Blocks is an eight-period schedule in which the “Plus” period is an hour consisting of lunch and a study period.  The expectation is for students to enroll in seven credits.  

The new schedule will be implemented or phased in over a two-year period.  We will introduce the new schedule in the 2009-10 school year with a limited number of block classes.  In the 2010-11 school year, we intend to introduce more block classes.   Ultimately, our class schedule will consist of both block classes and 48-minute class periods alike.  The length of class periods will depend upon the content and instructional needs.  

Seven Plus w/Blocks*
blocks will be integrated into the daily schedule

7:20 AM

Period 1

7:25 AM

8:13 AM

0:48

Period 2

8:18 AM

9:06 AM

0:48

Period 3

9:11 AM

9:59 AM

0:48

Period 4

10:04 AM

10:52 AM

0:48

Study/Lunch

10:57 AM

11:27 AM

11:27 AM

11:57 AM

Lunch/Study

10:52 AM

11:22 AM

11:27 AM

11:57 AM

Period 6

12:02 PM

12:50 PM

0:48

Period 7

12:55 PM

1:43 PM

0:48

Period 8

1:48 PM

2:37 PM

0:49

Why did the strategic planning committee recommend the implementation of a new class schedule?
Our current rotating eight period class schedule results in the loss of approximately 22 class sessions during the course of the school year.  This means our students and teachers must cover the same amount of material in fewer class meetings and with less available class time.  Consequently, the depth and breadth of courses is sacrificed. 

What courses are most affected by our current rotating eight period class schedule?
All classes are affected by fewer class meetings and less instructional time.   However,  the “lost” instructional  time is most evident in Advanced Placement courses because potential college credit depends on the ability of our students to learn the same material in less time than students from other schools.  

How will we transition from the rotating eight period schedule to the new seven plus schedule with blocks?
We are planning a gradual, phased transition over the next two school years.   We will introduce the seven plus schedule in
2009-10 with a few blocks including some classes that are already taught as blocks.  As everyone becomes more familiar with the new schedule, we will introduce more blocked classes in 2010-11, but the basic framework of the schedule will remain unchanged.  Some classes will continue to be taught in 48-minute periods depending on the content and instructional needs.    

Why will some classes be scheduled as blocks and other classes have 48-minute class periods?
Some classes lend themselves to longer class periods and some do not.  We want to tailor our new schedule to better deliver our curriculum depending on the best learning practices and needs  of the particular content areas.

What classes are better suited to block periods?
Lab classes of various sorts lend themselves well to block periods.  Science labs, art, physical education, some Agriculture classes and Technology  classes, for instance, need extended class periods to optimize learning.  Otherwise, too much time is spent in setting up and cleaning up in these classes and too little time is devoted to constructive and productive learning.   

What classes are better suited for 48-minute class periods?
Any sequential classes such as Math and World Languages are better suited to consistent, daily contact between students and teachers throughout the school year.  In addition, performance classes like those found in music are more suitable for shorter class periods.    

Will high achieving students be able to able to enroll in more than 7 credits?
We now have fewer than twenty students school wide currently enrolled in eight credits.  This course load is far too demanding for the vast majority of students.   Special approval is needed for students to enroll in more than seven credits.  We will continue to use the Course Overload Form for the few students who will exceed seven credits.   We will make every effort to accommodate such students.

What factors are still under consideration and study?
The seven plus schedule is and will continue to be a work in progress.   For example, we will continue to examine the role of summer school for increasing programming options for students.  We will continue to explore options to provide academic support for our students.   Student access to learning resources such as the Library Media Center, computer labs, and other learning support services are a vital consideration. 

Strategy 2: Best Practices for Instruction
We will ensure that all HUHS staff consistently utilize best practices in student instruction and general school operation.
Action Plan 4: We will implement a schedule that incorporates research-based best practices for increased student learning and achievement.

1. Conduct research by visiting other schools.
2. Conduct research by reviewing/reading the current research and survey the current staff.
3. Recommend a schedule that incorporates best practices for student learning and achievement.
4. Review and discuss effects of implementing the recommended schedule with all stakeholders.
5. Implement the recommended schedule.

Actions Taken

1. Schedule Planning Team
• Gathered Data and Research – Action Plan 4.1 and 4.2
• Developed Criteria
• Formulated Recommendation – Action Plan 4.3
2. Recommendation to BOE
   • Conducted BOE Workshop (September 15, 2008) – Action Plan 4.4
   • Held Teacher Dialogue Session – Action Plan 4.4
   • Held BOE Meeting (October 27, 2008) - Approval
3. Schedule Implementation Team
   • Analyzed recommendation for implementation logistics
   • Developed revised recommendation, considering logistics
   • Formulated Recommendation – Action Plan 4.3
4. Recommendation to BOE
   • Held BOE Meeting (January 26, 2009) - Approval