Impact Of Block Scheduling On Standardized Reading Test Scores Among 8th Graders PDF Download

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact block scheduling has on (a) student academic achievement, discipline, and attendance, and (b) administrator, teacher, and student perceptions. The study compared 2005-2010 data from a high school utilizing the A/B block schedule and a high school under a traditional schedule, in one suburban school district. The study used mixed methods. The quantitative data described, analyzed, and interpreted reading and math FCAT [Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test] scores, attendance rates, and discipline referrals from 2005-2010. A total of seven repeated ANOVAs were conducted to analyze the difference between the two schedule designs with respect to two achievement indicators; reading and math FCAT scores. The qualitative data offered a voice to administrators, teachers, and students, and was gathered through individual face-to-face, email, or phone interviews. The quantitative findings for the study yielded the following conclusions: (1) students experienced higher FCAT reading scores on the A/B block schedule than the traditional schedule; (2) students experienced higher FCAT math scores under the traditional schedule than the A/B block schedule; (3) attendance rates decreased for students under the A/B block schedule and increased for students under the traditional schedule; and (4) discipline referrals decreased at a higher rate for students under the traditional schedule than students under the A/B block schedule. The administrator, teacher, and student perceptions contributed to the following qualitative findings for the study: (1) block scheduling fosters extended learning sessions when properly planned; (2) with fewer transitions discipline issues decreased; (3) attendance was not affected by the block schedule; (4) block schedule allows for the implementation of various instructional strategies; and (5) transitioning from a traditional to a block schedule was thought to be difficult at first, but attainable, and would alleviate any feelings of being rushed. Four appendixes present: (1) Florida High School Report Card; (2) Interview Questions; (3) Participant Consent Form; and (4) Parental Permission Form. (Contains 22 tables.).