Table of Contents
Dedication and AcknowledgmentsAbout the Author1. The Current Status of Block Scheduling2. Block Scheduling and the High School3. Developmental Aspects of Growth and BehaviorPhysical Development From Early ChildhoodThrough AdolescenceCognitive GrowthCharacteristics of Piaget's Stages of Cognitive DevelopmentSchemata and the Process of Assimilation, Accomodation, and EquilibrationThe Sensori-Motor PeriodThe Period of Preoperational ThoughtThe Period of Concrete OperationsThe Period of Formal OperationsCognitive Theory and Block InstructionPersonality DevelopmentErikson's Stages of Personality DevelopmentImplications of Erikson's Theory for Block Instruction4. Building the Block Culture in the School5. Selecting the Best FitThe 4´4 Block Schedule ModelThe A/B Block Schedule ModelThe Modified BlockNew Lesson Designs for the Block6. Block Scheduling in the Middle SchoolThe Middle School DefinedCharacteristics of the Middle SchoolTeam Teaching Interdisciplinary TeamingBlock Classes or PeriodsAdvisory ProgramsBenefits of the Block Schedule in the Middle SchoolShortfalls of the Traditional ScheduleThe Flexible/Alternate/Navigate (FAN) ModelsAdvantages of Modified Schedules in the Middle SchoolTeaching in the Block in the Middle SchoolSummary7. The Elementary School on the BlockHistorical Events Impacting the Elementary SchoolNational InitiativesAmerica 2000Part 1: For Today's Students, Better, More Accountable SchoolsPart 2: For Tomorrow's Students, a New Generation of American SchoolsPart 3: For the Rest of Us (Yesterday's Students and Today's Workforce), a Nation of StudentsPart 4: Communities Where Learning Can HappenGoals 2000: Educate America ActA State Example: The Elementary Curriculum in North CarolinaTechnologyEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceSocial StudiesFine Arts: DanceFine Arts: MusicFine Arts: TheaterFine Arts: Visual ArtsOrganizational PatternsDisadvantages of Graded ArrangementAlternative Possibilities for Scheduling4-Blocks Model for Elementary EducationParallel Block SchedulingSummary8. Aligning Standards and Course ContentModels for Use of Instructional TimeLimiting ContentNotes to RememberAssigning Outside ContentIntegrating Content: C-ClusteringCurriculum Alignment and Instructional PacingCurriculum Alignment Phase 1Curriculum Alignment Phase 2Instructional Pacing Phase 1Instructional Pacing Phase 29. Sample of Curriculum Alignment and Pacing10. Effective Instructional Strategies for Block SchedulingCooperative LearningThe Case MethodSocratic SeminarSynecticsConcept AttainmentInquiry MethodSimulationsRecommendations for Improving Block Scheduling for the Future11. Teacher-Directed InstructionDirect Instruction as a Teaching ModelDirect Instruction as a Continuum of Teaching BehaviorsSummaryOur Mr. Jefferson: A Sample Teacher-Directed Lesson12. Discovery and InquiryDiscovery LearningHistory and ResearchPromises and PitfallsSummaryThe Inquiry Training ModelHistory and ResearchPromises and PitfallsSummaryBuilding the Tower: A Sample Discovery Method Activity13. Simulations and Role PlaySimulationsForms for the Simulation ModelRationale for Appropriate UseLesson DesignHistory and ResearchPromises and PitfallsSummaryGifted and Talented Simulation: A Sample Lesson Using Simulation14. Cooperative LearningHistory and ResearchPromises and PitfallsThe Case MethodSummaryBuilding the Perfect School: A Cooperative Staff Development Activity15. SynecticsHistory and ResearchGordon's Stages of CreativityPromises and PitfallsSummaryTo Kill a Mockingbird: A Syectics Sample Lesson16. Socratic SeminarGroup Discussion and Student ParticipationWhat Happened: A Socratic Seminar17. Instructional AssessmentMethods of Instructional EvaluationPresassessmentFormative AssessmentSummative AssessmentAssessment of Student AcheivementPortfolioUnit EvaluationLesson EvaluationA Positive Classroom Climate Through Instruction18. Program Evaluation and Student AssessmentReasons for EvaluationDefining Program EvaluationInstructional EvaluationSummaryEvaluation Resource 1: Block Schedule Teacher SurveyEvaluation Resource 2: Teacher Survey: High School Instruction19. A Guide to Traditional and Authentic AssessmentWriting and Evaluating Test ItemsParts of a Test ItemCategorizing Items on Cognitive LevelsEvaluating Test ItemsUsing Authentic Assessment for Student EvaluationThe Trouble With Tests Is...What Is Authentic Assessment?Brain Growth, Brain Enrichment, and AttentionEffective Implementation of Authentic AssessmentMultiple Intelligences and Authentic AssessmentTypes of Authentic AssessmentReferences, Recommended ReadingsInternet ResourcesIndex