In the fall of 2010, all 12 MNPS zoned high schools will operate on the A/B Block Schedule. This schedule allows students to take eight courses per year, four classes per day on alternating days of the week. Each class will last for 90 minutes. All teachers will teach six periods per year with two planning periods.

“We have to be on a common schedule because of our high mobility rate,” said Associate Superintendent of High Schools Jay Steele. “With different schedules, many of our schools were teaching at different paces. If students transfer mid-semester, the different pacing hurt their academic progress. By moving to one schedule, we hope to maximize our employees’ time and effort, while also doing what is absolutely best for all of our students.”

According to Steele, this decision did not come lightly. Over recent weeks, the district has hosted principal debates, student panels, and teacher and MNEA discussions. Steele has also been communicating with national experts who have researched this topic to determine the best option for our district.

Several important factors contributed to this schedule change. They include: 

• Relationships – To truly implement Smaller Learning Communities (SLCs), students need to develop relationships with teachers and community partners over a longer period of time.
• Teacher Collaboration – Having two planning periods for teachers allows time for collaboration, curriculum integration and the establishment of strong, professional learning communities at each school.
• Students will be able to focus on four classes per day.
• Advanced Placement and IB testing – Testing dates will correlate with the master schedule.
• Students will have more opportunities for accelerated coursework and course recovery if needed.

“High quality teacher training will be so important;” said Antioch Principal Aimee Wyatt, “not just on what the new scheduling pattern looks like, but real hands-on training so our teachers learn how to teach and evaluate students on this new schedule.”

MNPS plans to offer numerous professional development courses over the summer to help teachers make this transition. Courses might include formative assessment, teaching on a block, shared leadership, classroom management, integrated curriculum, effective communication, etc. The district is finalizing plans on what professional development courses will be offered. All will have a significant impact on the quality of instruction and the success of our students.