First of all, this is our new schedule (effective August 2017):
Instead of merely listing the attributes of the schedule, let's discuss in terms of our priorities listed above.
1. A greater emphasis on skill development and deep learning of essential standards.
Our new schedule will have 45-minute periods on Monday and 90-minute periods for Tuesday through Friday. This really just a rearrangement of time, but the genius, is in how the minutes are dispersed. Think about your average beginning and end of class. Transition time. Five minutes to come in, take attendance, take out work. Another five minutes to shut down. This is instructional time that gets lost everyday. With fewer transition periods, we gain time for more productive work. Then, there is the learning itself. Often, our textbooks are created to package lessons into neat, 45-50-minute blocks. This isn't because these blocks represent the optimum time periods for learning, but rather a function of traditional schools. There is no pedagogical reason why a lesson in math on linear formulas, for example, has to be broken into two sections - one for whole numbers and one for fractions. The only reason this exists is to make sure that one topic can be adequately divided into two traditional blocks. Mind blown.
In 90-minute blocks, our teachers can give direct instruction and, then, let students apply it. This means more time for active engagement, conversation, and hands-on work. When you add in the outstanding technology that we have on campus, the possibilities for project-based learning and redefinition of curriculum is endless. While this is already happening in many places on campus, the 90-minute block will truly lend itself to rethinking learning outcomes.
2. An awareness of the social-emotional needs of our students.
You may have immediately noticed that three days, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, don't begin until 8:30. Three late start days. The research on the adolescent mind is clear that sleep is essential for development and that early start times are not conducive to the needs young minds. 8:30 is not a lot later in minutes, but in terms of readiness for class, it can be significant.
In addition, you may have already taken a look at the end of the day. While many of our students (about 60%) have seven periods, many choose to take only six classes, particularly in the upper grades. While getting out after lunch may seem tempting, I would urge you to consider taking 1st period off instead. 1st period off would mean start times between 8:30 and 9:30 every day. That extra sleep might be worth it.
Lastly, the passing period. This one is a little hidden. The passing periods on block days will be 10 minutes long. Students could stop by their lockers. They could check in with teachers. They could even use the restrooms. These passing periods just seem more humane. Slowing down the rhythm, giving brains time to transition from social studies to math. The whole flow on campus will change.
3. A focus on providing support within the school day to help meet student needs.
This is my favorite part. Twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, situated in the mid-morning, students will have 60 minutes of Academy (this is our new name). Academy is built in time within the school day for students to get extra support, finish assignments, access extension and enrichment, or just take a few minutes to refresh and recharge. You see, at Miramonte we believe that all students can learn at high levels. We also acknowledge that not all students learn in the same period of time, nor do all students learn the same way. So, instead of making time a factor, we are creating more of it for students to get the extra support and instruction that they need. Right in the day. Not after school. Not at lunch. In the school day.
There is still a lot of work to be done on this new Academy time. I can tell you that it will be a combination of required support and student choice. For example, if you fail a math test, we will direct you to math class. Why? Because we do not want to let you fail. And, we know you need something more to achieve at high levels. But, other times, things might be going just swimmingly. During these times, you may choose the library for quiet studying, your Latin class for extra Latin practice, the track for a mile make up, or a mindfulness session for enrichment.
Are you getting excited?
