The Leadership Challenge Thomas Trey Wynn EDU 701 William Doughty University of New England

The Leadership Challenge

A Change.
A change I would like to make would be going from an eight period day to a block schedule. I would discuss this change with other principals in surrounding schools. I would also have to discuss this and provide research to the superintendent and assistant superintendent.

History
Three years ago, my school was on a seven period schedule. Two years ago, change was implemented to switch to a eight period day.
This change was implemented to add in another math elective for students. Students were showing weak scores on the LEAP test in math so an elective/discovery math class was added to each students schedule.

Block Schedule
I would implement a block schedule for multiple reasons:
Decrease movement among students Increase time spent in class for all subjects Teachers will be able to team teach and collaborate

Research
According to The Exemplary Middle School, after students were placed on a block schedule, two to three years later showed a significant upward trend in students test scores. In the research five schools, with varying populations, backgrounds, ethnicities were examined in which all five schools showed significant improvement in test scores.

Research
According to The Exemplary Middle School, block scheduling has also been associated with few discipline problems and an overall more positive school climate. According to Modular Block Scheduling, the teacher is able to provide more varied instruction during class. Thus, it is easier to deal with students with disabilities and differing learning styles.

Research
The National Training Lab research, suggests that 90% of what students learn is through discussion and stimulations. Block scheduling allows time for classroom discussions, highly effective methods of teaching, and a better overall learning experience.

Leadership Challenges
Some of the leadership challenges:
Presenting the idea of a block schedule to the superintendent, other administrators, and teachers/staff.
Being able to provide enough research and proof that a change in the schools schedule is what is best for the student.

Creating a schedule that would work for all students.

Being able to schedule all of the students core subjects and electives.

Timeline
During the first year that I am in a leadership role I will:
1. Present ideas to the superintendent and assistant superintendent to get their approval.
Show them the research and reasons why I am wanting to implement this change.

2. Present ideas to the teachers/staff at my school.

Show them the research and reasons why I am wanting to implement this change.

Timeline
3. Communicate with parents about the anticipated schedule change.
Send a letter home to the parents letting them know of the schedule change that will occur.

4. Have students will out scheduling cards.

Students will identify which courses/electives they would like to take.

5. Create a master schedule.

Create a schedule that will work for both the students and teachers.

Timeline
6. Start the new block schedule the next school year.
Students will start the new block schedule at the beginning of the next school year.

7. Evaluate how the new block system is going at the end of the first semester.
Interview teachers, other administrators, and teachers.

Engaging Staff
I believe in order for the staff to be on board for a major school schedule change, they need to understand the reasons as to why the change is being made. The staff also needs to feel like that they have be included in the decision to make change.
I would show them the research that has been done on the effectiveness of a block schedule in middle schools. I would discuss ideas with them on the best way to start the block schedule. I would ask them as to what subjects they would be interested in teaching.

Engaging Staff
Ways to include staff in changing over to a block schedule:
Survey teachers for ideas on the best way to implement a block schedule.
Ask them how the schedule should look. Ask them what subjects they would like to teach. As the leader, be prepared for the tough decisions.

References
Alexander, W. M. (1981). The exemplary middle school. Retrieved from http://www.nassp.org/portals/0/content/50245.pdf Kelly, M. (2012). Modular block scheduling: pros and cons. Retrieved from http://712educators.about.com/cs/blockschedule/a/bl ockschedule.htm Wormeli, R. (1999). Block classes change instructional practice-carpe diem!. Retrieved from http://www.amle.org/portals/0/pdf/publications/On_T arget/scheduling/scheduling_3.pdf