2 of 12

Rationale- Why move to Block Scheduling?

At Sussex Tech, our students thrive on hands-on learning. Aligning academic schedules with our CTE model enhances student engagement across all courses. Block scheduling supports instructional practices that foster deeper understanding, critical thinking, collaboration, & individualized learning. School becomes less about coverage and more about skill acquisition & mastery.�

3 of 12

Block Scheduling Benefits

OLD	NEW	BENEFIT
9 periods of 40 min	4 periods of 80 min.	Longer periods support research on brain-based learning; allows for deeper learning
40 min. lunch	Approx. 30 min. lunch	Less wasted down time
8 transitions of 4 min each	4 transitions of 4 min.	Less wasted time; increased safety (less time crossing the street)
7:40 start time 2:20 end time	7:50 start time 2:05 end time	Shorter day for students = increased attention during learning time

4 of 12

Sample Full-Time Student Schedule

5 of 12

Sample Full-Time Student Schedule

6 of 12

Sample Shared-Time Student Schedule

Morning Shared-Time

Afternoon Shared-Time

7 of 12

But how are students going to sit through 80 minutes?!

Professional Development for teachers at the start of and throughout the school year will focus on learning instructional strategies for block scheduling:

🗣️Socratic Seminars- student led discussion and questioning

🤝The Collaborative Classroom: Cooperative Learning Structures

📝Shortened and Improved teacher lectures, explanations and demonstrations

🎨Learning Centers

📖Partner and Small Group Lessons

8 of 12

The Three

Part Lesson

9 of 12

Part of the Lesson	Purpose	Teacher Actions	Student Actions	Example Activities
Explanation	Build understanding of a concept, skill, or idea	• Present new content�• Model thinking�• Use visuals and examples	• Listen actively�• Take notes�• Ask clarifying questions	• Mini-lecture�• Demonstration�• Guided notes�• Video with discussion
Application	Practice and apply the concept independently or collaboratively	• Provide practice tasks�• Give feedback�• Support with scaffolds	• Work independently, with partners or in groups�• Try strategies�• Problem-solve	• Hands-on lab�• Group work • Socratic Seminar�• Research/Create
Synthesis	Reflect, connect, and demonstrate learning in a meaningful way	• Facilitate reflection�• Connect to prior/future learning�• Prompt higher-order thinking	• Make connections�• Reflect on learning�• Share or create something new	• Exit ticket�• Class discussion�• Peer teaching�• Written reflection

10 of 12

Students will be further developing and applying social-emotional and critical thinking skills

Students who “got by” with passive learning will need to further develop skills and apply themselves.

🗣️ Discussion Skills

🙌🏼 Cooperation

📝 Written explanations

❓Asking Questions

🔍 Research and Synthesis

💪🏽 Productive Struggle and Stamina

11 of 12

What about struggling learners and special education students?

When implemented well by teachers, BLOCK scheduling better supports students’ specialized learning needs:

👩🏼‍🏫 Enhanced Teacher-Student Relationships

Fewer classes per day means teachers see fewer students in one day, allowing for more personalized instruction, targeted support, and building stronger rapport.

🌻 Improved Focus and Classroom Climate

With more time to settle in, students can focus on tasks without feeling rushed. The pace is responsive to students’ needs, creating a calmer classroom environment.

✏ Opportunities for Differentiation and Remediation

Teachers can more easily scaffold instruction, provide one-on-one support, and offer enrichment or remediation within the same class period.

1 of 12