NewsLanc’s publisher posed the following questions to SD of L Superintendant Pedro Rivera concerning proposal for block classes of 80 to 90 minute durations:
”I have always found it difficult to study for more than 45 minutes at a time and have a need to get up and move around at that point of time. I understand that this is common.
How do you deal with this attention span and physical requirements with extended classes?
Would you alter class room layout?
Would you schedule a break midway?”
NewsLanc received the following response from Jay Butterfield, principal of McCaskey East High School:
“Dear Mr. Field,
As Principal of McCaskey East HS, I am responding to your questions regarding the current exploration into alternative schedule options at McCaskey.
I was particularly interested in your first statement, as it mirrors exactly my own frustrations with long lectures and study periods.
A critical element in an extended time period for classes is the methodology the teachers must use. Teachers cannot lecture for an entire 80 or 90 minute block- not even half that. In fact, teachers are trained to offer 3 or 4 highly effective and varied strategies per block. This serves several purposes including differentiating instruction for various learner types, engaging students as constructors of their knowledge, getting students to move into and work with a variety of cooperative learning teams or groups, providing deeper and richer learning with each topic, and more.
Regarding class layout, there are many alternatives to the traditional rows of seats. Educational leaders have for years advocated alternative room arrangements including small groupings, facing rows, horseshoe and paired seatings. All of these arrangements are in use on the campus and would continue.
Regarding the midway break, most extended periods have de facto breaks, as teachers transition between the aforementioned strategies.
In closing, though we are still researching, developing and considering the options around moving to extended time, I welcome further questions from you at any time.
Regards,
Jay Butterfield, D.Ed.”
