TRIMESTER SCHEDULE AT MADISON HIGH SCHOOL

After several years of studying block scheduling, Madison High School implemented a trimester schedule beginning in the 1997-98 school year. The schedule finally agreed upon is a 72 minute five period schedule. Students take five classes, instead of six or seven in the traditional seven period-50 minute schedule. Teachers teach four periods and have one 72 minute planning period. Students complete a semester's work in one trimester, 58 days instead of 87. Study halls were eliminated freeing teachers to teach additional courses thus expanding the curricular offerings for students.

After reviewing the literature, visiting a high school in Florida, and having some phone conversations with schools  using the trimester schedule, it was determined that a trimester schedule could have many positive benefits for Madison High School. Some of the benefits include the following;

• Provides for a longer block of time (72 minutes) for students to participate in School-to-Work (Classrooms-to-Careers) job shadows and mentorships.

• Students may enroll in a greater number and variety of elective courses. Graduation requirements have been increased.

• Fewer preparations for teachers.

• Encourages use of a variety of teaching methods. Lectures don't work for a 72 minute period.

• Lab oriented classes have more time for instruction, setting up, closure, etc.

• Better use of the school day as there are fewer class changes.

• Student homework is lighter in that they are taking fewer subjects at one time, however because of a somewhat accelerated pace things move a little quicker.

• Students who fail or fall behind have time to catch up and graduate on time.

Students, staff and parents have been surveyed several times regarding their satisfaction with trimester scheduling.

In January of 1999 students rated their overall satisfaction with trimester scheduling as 3.17 on a five point scale. This was a .18 increase from January of 1998 but a .06 decrease from May of 98.

Teachers rated the trimester schedule 3.94 on a five point scale. This compared to a 3.53 rating in May of 1998. 77% of the teachers agree/strongly agree that teaching in a trimester schedule is less stressful. 82% of the teachers agree/strongly agree that students can focus better under the trimester schedule because they have fewer classes each day. The downside of trimester scheduling according to teachers is that make-up work is more difficult to keep track of and get completed and students have more difficulty recovering from absences.

Parents agree/strongly agree (79%) that trimester schedule allows students to concentrate their time on fewer subjects.61% of parents agree/strongly agree that their student's prefer trimester schedule while 55% agree/strongly agree that their student's attitude is better. Parents are not sure if achievement is improved.

Some of the references used in implementing trimester scheduling:

The Copernican Plan Evaluated, Joseph Carroll, 1994
Unlocking the Lock-Step High School Schedule, Robert Canady, Univ. of Virginia
Finding Time to Learn, Educational Leadership, Nov. 1995.
Retooling the Instructional Day, NAASP, 1994
Prisoners of Time, Report of the National Education Commission on Time and Learning.
A Colorado School's Un-Rocky Road to Trimesters, Educational Leadership, Nov. 1995.
We "TRI-ED" The Alternative: Trimester Scheduling Worked for US, The High School Magazine, March/April 1996.
Breaking Ranks: Changing an American Institution, NASSP, 1996.
Visit to Deltona High School, Deltona, Florida.
Phone visits with E. Don Brown, Principal (and past president of NASSP), and staff at L.D. Bell HS in Hurst, Texas.

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