The Block Schedule at San
Marcos High School
Why we decided to adopt
this schedule - a brief historyÉ
1992-1993
San Marcos was one of 44 schools in the state to be awarded a school Restructuring Grant of $1.2 million over five years. This funding was put in use in many ways: technology (wiring, networking, computer labs), student support services (Wellness Center, Career Counseling Center), innovative curricular changes (9th grade transition class, Humanities, American Experience), an assessment and accountability program, and community involvement (Community Service Program, RIAC). We also hoped to develop a schedule that would allow for the introduction of an expanded electives program and a reduction in class size. We began doing research into alternative schedules.
1993-1994
After visiting other school sites around the country, looking at research on how students learn best and retain what they learn, the RIAC committee focused in on the 4 x 4 block schedule, also known as the academic focus schedule. A staff vote was held on the RIAC proposal and 72% approved. Teachers agreed to teach an extra class each year in return for a reduction in class size and an expansion in elective programs.
1994-2007
Restructuring has been an ongoing process, involving all stakeholders at the school. Changes and revisions are made whenever a need or concern arises. Tests scores, attendance records, graduation rates, open enrollment choices, etc. have all been monitored each year to confirm the viability of the block schedule. In addition to hard data, parents, staff, students have been surveyed extensively as part of the assessment process. Survey data has been increasingly favorable each year (last survey: approximately 85% of students, 80% of parents and staff responded that the block schedule at San Marcos was effective in meeting their educational needs).
Advantages of the Block
Schedule at San Marcos
For Students:
Focus is on 3 or 4 classes at a time - less stressful
Longer periods of instruction allow for more in-depth study
Fewer passing periods in the school day
Possibility of taking two extra courses a year for remediation or acceleration
Class size is reduced (most are below 30)
Fewer books to carry
For juniors and seniors - opens opportunities at UCSB and SBCC
More time to pursue individual interests in journalism, band, performing arts, etc.
Learning activities given more time: science labs, physical ed., computer applications,
band performances and play rehearsals, simulations, discussions
Athletes do not miss as much class time for competitions or practice
For Teachers:
Daily student contact reduced from 150+ to 94 max. (more over the year - 180+)
Better rapport with students, more time for individualized instruction
Better diagnosis of student abilities early to determine needs
Classes can go more in-depth into subjects, more activity-based learning
No teacher has more than three class preparations; most have two
Class size is reduced - preparation/conference time increased
Improved contact and communication with parents
More time to incorporate technology, innovative approaches
For Whom Does This Schedule NOT Work So WellÉthe
Downside:
If students are absent frequently, they fall behind more rapidly
Students transferring mid-term or mid-year may have to repeat courses
Testing schedule does not accommodate schools on the block – puts us at a disadvantage
Counselors must work diligently to insure schedules are balanced and complete
Clerical staff and teachers must deal with accelerated pace of record-keeping
Teaching staff must deal with lost of instructional minutes, accelerated progress and
grade reports, more preparation for the longer classes, more students over the year
Lunch period is too short - biggest student complaint
Dismissal period is not always utilized productively by older students
Since most students, teachers, parents, administrators have little or no experience with the
4x4 block schedule, there is an ongoing need for community outreach, staff development, student support in transitioning into the program
Programs Currently
Thriving at San Marcos
Arts: Ceramics, Jewelry, Graphics, Painting, art show in the cafeteria
Performing Arts: Spring musical full collaboration - New auditorium
English : Schoolwide Writing Contest, 80% pass rate in exit exam, 75% on AP
Music : Carnegie Hall performances, Statewide competitions, honors choir
Math: SBCC courses now offered on campus
Special Ed.: total access campus, more students placed here with more success
Journalism: King's Page has received 1st place national recognition as student paper
Athletics: Sports teams consistently chosen as C.I.F. top Scholar Athletes
Social Studies: Mock Trial team #1 in California, Academic Decathalon, Econ. Projects
to give back to our community (Kids Helping Kids)
Science: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in Sr. Div.County Science Fair in Physical and Life Sciences
Community Service: Over 500,000 hours contributed to improve our community
(note: San Marcos piloted and led the way in community service requirement)
AVID - Supporting underrepresented students in college preparation
RISE - Freshman transition class to support student success in all subjects
Facilities: New auditorium, new track, new gym, new classrooms coming
Career Services: Career Center established under restructuring
Advanced Placement Results: More students than ever earning college credits
Health Academy: In conjunction with Cottage Hospital, nursing preparation
Overall: More students graduating earning more units