To:

Members, Board of Education

From:

Terry B. Grier, Ed.D.

Date:

April 5 , 2007

RE:

Changes in Middle School Scheduling

Attached are a summary and examples of what a full-day middle school schedule would look like that provided:

• at least 75 minutes daily in both math and English-Language Arts and
• limited encore classes to a maximum of 90 minutes daily

Middle schools that currently offer three daily encore classes provide less time in core academic classes than either elementary or high schools.  Limiting encore classes to 90 minutes would place middle schools “in the middle” of time provided for core academic subjects:

• 72.5% of elementary instructional day in core academic subjects
• 67.5% of middle school if encore limited to 90 minutes daily (56% if three daily encore classes)
• 60% of high school instructional day

The attachment shows four different middle school scheduling options (A, B, C, D) that would provide at least 75 minutes daily instruction in ELA and math.  It also shows the time available when 3 daily encore classes are scheduled, as well as typical traditional scheduling at the elementary and high school level.

The middle school Instructional Improvement Officers for these middle schools will also be available to answer any questions the board may have.

Attachment - Sample Schedule and options