The author reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the quarter system and summarizes the conclusions of recent studies comparing the semester system to the quarter system. (JW)

Block schedules have been used in several different high schools in various areas of the United States. Reasons for their use vary from better preparing students for college work to fewer disruptions of the school day. Several studies have examined the impact of changing from a semester system to a block system on the academic performance in…

The records of 4,886 students in 18 Ontario high schools revealed that, compared to traditional full-year schools, dropout rates in matched semestered schools were lower for general-level students and much lower for basic-level students. There were no differences for advanced-level students. Contains 21 references. (SV)

One schedule innovation--the four-period day and semester-length courses--is revamping North Carolina and Virginia high schools. At Orange County (Virginia) High School, a simplified and flexible 4-year 9-13 semester-block program is helping kids complete more courses, receive better grades, and take and pass more advanced-placement exams. (MLH)

Achievement and student attitudes were studied using data from 250 secondary Ontario mathematics classes. The differences between semester schools versus year-long schools were examined. Hours of instruction and teachers' experience were also noted. Lower achievement was observed in semester classes, with no advantage in student attitudes.…

Covariance structure modeling tested four alternative models of determinants of student effort changes. Four alternative models were investigated using 167 junior and 155 senior high school students. Effort ratings by teachers were obtained for 282 of the students. The importance of changes in students' perceptions of ability is discussed. (SLD)