This report describes the work of the National Education Commission on Time and Learning, created by Congress in June 1991 to examine the quality and adequacy of the time American students spend on study and learning. The report provides biographical profiles of the nine Commission members and outlines the topics that have been or will be…

This document presents information for Saskatchewan administrators who are considering rescheduling the traditional school day or school year. It discusses reasons for changing school schedules and identifies educational, societal, and economic concerns around the change. Steps in the change process include: evaluation/needs assessment;…

Argues that political debates over the influence of Christian fundamentalism or secular humanism on school curriculum often overshadow the real deficiencies in public school education in the United States, such as 6-hour school days and 180-day school years, which deprive American children of the learning opportunities they need to compete in the…

Findings of a study that investigated the impact of a 4-day school week in an Idaho suburban school district (Shelley School District) are presented in this paper. Data were derived from: (1) surveys of all district stakeholders, which included 2,039 K-12 students, 492 parents, 103 teachers, and 85 support staff; (2) a comparison of…

New trends and emphases in education--increased individualization of instruction, new content for school programs, deeper parental and community involvement, and extension of the school's scope to include preschool and exceptional children--all call for more effective professional development programs in the education of teachers. (JD)

Reviews current psychological research on the effects of time, discusses policy and practical implications, and proposes "productive time" rather than "allocated time" or "time-on-task" as a new focus of educational reform. Productive time allows students to engage in lessons adjusted to their differences in learning rate and background knowledge.…

A review of factors diminishing instructional time concludes with the estimate that less than 30 percent of the average school day is devoted to instruction. Rather than extending the school day or year, more efficient time management and reevaluation of the urgency of noninstructional activities are recommended. (MJL)

This booklet is part of a series of reports on "hot topics" in education. It explores alternative school schedules as ways to make education be the best it can for all students. Block scheduling, 4-day school weeks, and year-round education are alternative scheduling methods that generate interest in schools in the northwestern United…

Presents various modifications to the traditional school day and year such as extending the school day, increasing the number of instructional days, or rescheduling school breaks throughout the year. Provides economic, instructional, and lifestyle implications. Also addresses such issues as teachers' professional development, air-conditioning,…

This publication describes the development and operation of the scheduling plan developed by the Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, school system. The plan, designed to maximize the use of available facilities and to expand the curriculum offering, combines a fifty-hour instructional week, alternative learning opportunities throughout the community, an…

Much is written in the literature about failing schools. What makes for failing schools as compared to those labeled as being proficient or excellent? Teachers and administrators in schools need to work in the direction of all schools being worthy. Each pupil needs to have the best education possible. The future of a child depends, in part, in…

THIS RESEARCH REPORT PRESENTS THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY OF TRENDS IN EDUCATIONAL CHANGE OVER A 5-YEAR PERIOD IN MICHIGAN. THE REPORT SUMMARIZES THE RESPONSES TO A QUESTIONNAIRE SENT TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. IN BRIEF STATEMENTS AND CHARTS IT DESCRIBES THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS' USE OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION, PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION, TEAM…

Recommendations and an action plan for improving Wisconsin public schools' focus on teaching and learning, rather than on changes such as vouchers and privatization. Positive strategies designed to promote achievement are favored over punitive strategies or remedial actions. The action plan includes financial help to implement the recommendations.…

This revised edition of "Prisoners of Time" is designed to refocus attention on the critical issue of using time as a resource for teaching and learning. It contains the same text as the original report but also includes some up-to-date examples of the creative and productive ways in which schools can use time. State and local education…

Traces development and implementation of a 4-day school week at an Alberta junior high school that extended the school day 40 minutes, resulted in more classes taught in a shorter time period, and decreased student discipline problems. Describes parent and community reactions. Includes recommendations for planning educational change. (LP)