The daily class structure for Middle Schools will be extended instructional time in the Core subjects of Reading and Mathematics. This extended instructional time is referred to as a “Block Schedule,” Most Reading and Mathematics Block Schedules are 75-90 minutes as opposed to a 60 minute traditional class period. The Block Schedule is designed to maximize instruction and learning.

The Block Schedule will allow students to have an integrated language arts period in which reading is integrated with language arts. Students will have the opportunity to participate in reading, writing, literature, grammar, and spelling within one instructional period. Students will have integrated language arts every day.

The Block Schedule will allow students in mathematics to experience a “Balanced Mathematics” approach to learning math. In a balanced mathematics program, all students should learn and be able to use basic skills, apply understanding, and solve word problems. Students will have balanced mathematics instruction every day.

For schedules referred to as an AB schedule, this mostly means that students might have Science for 90 minutes one day and Social Studies for 90 minutes the next day. The AB schedule rotates each day. For example:

• Monday - Science
• Tuesday - Social Studies
• Wednesday - Science
• Thursday-Social Studies
• Friday - Science
• Monday - Social Studies

For students who will benefit from additional instruction in reading and mathematics, either enrichment or remediation, an intervention instructional period of 60 minutes is available each day.