Description
Book SynopsisA Trimester Schedule that Works is a guidebook for secondary educators who want to maximize teaching and learning opportunities in their schools. The book begins with research that supports a trimester schedule and then begins to help readers understand the change efforts and challenges associated with the redesign of the school day. Several planning tools are included to lead readers through the steps necessary to build the capacity for change and a culture of collaboration. The benefits of the improved schedule are then quickly divulged by the authors - increased time for core content classes, a bonus period for intervention and acceleration activities, opportunities for dual college/vocational education credit, to name a few. Several case studies illustrate how middle and high schools have transformed traditional settings into thriving, high-performing schools, with collaborative teachers and engaged students.
Trade ReviewThis is an excellent, practical guide on implementing an effective school scheduling reform model. The authors' experiences in developing the trimester schedule will assist any school administrator through the journey of improvement and change. -- David Marcotte, Director of Personnel, MSD of Wayne Township, Indiana
The authors have contributed essential knowledge regarding scheduling and its relationship to student success. If teaching and learning needs are your priority, this is a must-read book! -- Bradley V. Balch, Dean, College of Education, Indiana State University
Public education is constantly evolving, and new challenges require school administrators to be innovative in the area of scheduling. The trimester model highlighted in this book has systematically changed the learning environment at Northridge Middle School. Through the use of the student resource period, we have drastically reduced our failure rate to 3 percent. This schedule allows all students to be successful. -- Angela Blessing, principal, Northridge Middle School, Indiana
Schools across the nation are searching for reform strategies to improve student achievement. This book offers a strategy to support student learning with increased time-on-task and opportunities for additional learning experiences through the trimester schedule. The authors have lived this experience and provide an excellent resource for educators who want to make a difference for students. -- Marilyn Sudsberry, director of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals at Butler University, Indiana
The trimester has provided us with the opportunity to try many programs focused on student learning. Two examples are Teacher Supervised Study and Algebra that Works. Without a schedule as flexible as the trimester, we would not be able to utilize these intervention programs. This book will provide you with the details of how the trimester works. And most importantly, it will allow you to see potential in all of your students. -- P.J. Hamann, principal, Danville High School, Indiana
The book adequately informs the reader of the obstacles and challenges involved in any change or improvement initiative….Shares information that will help administrators implement any initiative. * School Administrator, October 2010 *
This book spotlights the magnificent advantages of the trimester schedule by focusing on student-centered learning and how the trimester schedule gives more students the opportunity to truly master many skills. By using this book as a resource about this schedule, schools are most-certain to prosper in the modern world of education. At Avon High School, the band program has won five state championships and two national titles while on the trimester schedule. This success of the band program at our high school demonstrates the effectiveness of the trimester schedule on elective subjects. -- Amy L. Keller, chair, Science Department, Avon High School, Indiana
This book serves as a great reference for schools currently utilizing or considering the trimester schedule. Through this book and the trimester model, our school has been able to meet the needs of our student population more effectively. Our participation in dual college credit courses has more than doubled, and our failure rate for all students has dramatically decreased. The result has been an increase in graduation rate and placement of our graduates at more advanced levels in post-secondary settings. -- Doug Miller, principal, North Montgomery High School, Indiana
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 A Brief Review of the Literature on Various Scheduling Models Chapter 3 Why Change? Chapter 4 Beginning the Process of Transitioning to the Trimester Chapter 5 Dealing with Naysayers Chapter 6 Challenges and Pitfalls to Consider Chapter 7 The Nuts and Bolts of Secondary Trimester Schedule Chapter 8 Frequently Asked Questions Chapter 9 Case Studies Chapter 10 Conclusion
