Block Scheduling -- A number of schools have adopted some
kind of "block" scheduling. The two most common models being
the "alternate-day schedule," in which students and
instructors meet every other day for blocks of 80-120
minutes; and the "4/4 semester plan," in which students
attend 4 courses every day for approximately 90 minutes
during a 90-day semester, and teachers teach three courses
each semester. How do you feel about block scheduling?
A) It's great. With more class time, teachers can do more
than just lecture, and they can really get to know the kids
and get them involved.
B) It's not so great. One problem is that if a student is
absent one day, he has missed a lot of material. Plus,
students can encounter large gaps in what should be
sequential courses, like languages.
C) If implemented correctly, block scheduling could be
great. But a school must plan the schedule carefully to be
sure that the new scheduling benefits students and teachers,
rather than burdening them.
D) I have no opinion on this issue.
The Results:
Read what players thought about Block Scheduling.
Single-Gender Education -- Do boys and girls learn
differently? Some schools have tried separating boys' and
girls' classes, especially for math or science. Some
districts even have whole schools just for girls, as in New
York, because they think the answer might be "Yes." What do
you think?
A) Boys and girls definitely learn differently. Girls do
well in classroom environments that are nurturing or
collaborative. Boys need constant stimulation, and prefer to
move more quickly through lessons.
B) Boys and girls do not learn differently. If a teacher can
balance his or her approach so that he or she doesn't cater
to either gender, that will make a class successful for all
the children in it.
C) Boys and girls don't necessarily learn differently. But
boys are often louder, so they get the attention, and the
scolding. If students are willing to try it, classes could
be divided by gender, to see if it helps alleviate these
problems for both boys and girls.
D) I have no opinion on this issue.
The Results:
Read what players thought about Single-Gender Education.
Teacher Assessment -- Some states, such as Connecticut,
require teachers to present a portfolio of their work as
part of their evaluation process. Portfolios include lesson
plans, materials, evaluations of student work, and examples
of follow-up comments on student work. How do you feel about
portfolios as a form of assessment?
A) Portfolios are a great way to evaluate teachers. Looking
at how a teacher deals with a student's work is just what
evaluators should be doing.
B) Portfolios are not as important as classroom evaluation.
That's where you really see what kind of teacher someone is.
C) Portfolios can be a useful assessment tool, but teachers
should be given the chance to compile another, better
portfolio if the first one does not meet the standards.
D) I have no opinion on this issue.
The Results:
Read what players thought about Teacher Assessment.
