scheduling help for career academies and slcs the agenda 1. introduction 2. workshop goals 3....
TRANSCRIPT
Scheduling Help for Scheduling Help for Career Academies and Career Academies and
SLCsSLCs
The Agenda
1. Introduction
2. Workshop Goals
3. Scheduling Guide
4. Group Activity
5. Software Options and Features
6. Resources
7. Question & Answer
Workshop Goals
To make you aware of the scheduling process, related difficulties, how SLCs/ Academies complicate this process, and what can be done about it
To critique your own school’s processes, looking at challenges as well as best practices
The Scheduling Guide
Chapters– I. Why– II. Who– III. What and When– IV. Potential Conflicts– V. Related Software
Appendices– Alternative Bell Schedules– Software Matrix– Glossary– Bibliography
Why Scheduling Is So Important
Fundamental need of SLC/ Academy Most frequent problem/ complaint If done wrong, causes teacher frustration Not to mention students and parents It is hard to do well -- very complicated Bottom line: It is possible
Who Should Be Involved
Traditional Method: – A single administrator or counselor, often working
behind a closed (and occasionally locked) door– Students and teachers receive their schedule
during the summer or right before school starts
Recommended Method:– Master Schedule Team– Multiple stakeholders are involved in all aspects
of creating the master schedule
Master Schedule Team
Open system with a team environment to build capacity and collaboration
Counselors, teachers, administrators, classified staff, even students
At least two people with computer/database expertise, or ability to learn how to manipulate programs
District Role
Districts should support schools by providing staffing information/ teacher allotments earlier rather than later in the Master Schedule Development Process– (by the fifth or six month of a traditional school
year)
The 5 Stages in the Master Scheduling Process
Planning Student course selection Master schedule construction Analysis, adjustment, and distribution of
schedules Fine tuning and re-adjustment
Stages 1 & 2(Aug-Dec & Jan-Mar)
Planning & Preliminary/Initial Tasks (1-5)– Assemble and develop scheduling team– Team involves stakeholders– Team develops materials and calendar for creating
the master schedule
Student Course Selection/Course Tallies (6-8)– Students and families informed of course selection– Students register for next year’s courses– Team evaluates course tallies, negotiates with
administration and the district
Stage 3(March-May)
Master Schedule Construction (8-10)– Team establishes rules for course scheduling and
analyzes constraints and SLC/Academy needs– Computer runs begin, with final adjustments
made by hand– Team invites stakeholders to view master
schedule
Stages 4 & 5(May-July & Aug-Sept)
Analysis, Adjustment & Distribution of Schedules (10-12)– Master schedule is analyzed by team and
stakeholders– SLC/Academy teachers analyze individual student
schedules– Class schedules passed out and adjustments made by
hand as needed
Fine Tuning & Readjustment (13-14)– Team and stakeholders analyze process– Team reformed and process begins again
Constraints and Conflicts
“Outside” requirements Staffing allocations Collective bargaining
agreements Credit requirements Space constraints Time constraints
Singletons/doubletons Special
populations/programs Teacher preferences/needs Software capabilities Making deadlines SLC & Academy Needs!
SLC & Academy Needs
Shared Leadership Linked Classes Common Teacher Prep Time Balancing Across SLCs Looping Advisories
Put This to Use!
With two to three people next to you, discuss the following questions:– What are the two biggest issues, challenges, or
constraints you face in developing the master schedule?
– What are two best practices you have for addressing either your own or your group members’ challenges?
On the poster paper: List most commonly shared challenges and 1-2 best practices
Software Research
Links ClassesGroups StudentsAllows for Block
Scheduling
Schedules Multiples Academies/SLCs
Provides Common Planning Time
How to Get the Guide
Written Guide:– http://casn.berkeley.edu (Resources Tab)– www.naf.org (Members only)
PowerPoint and Handouts– http://casn.berkeley.edu
Tutorials– http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sslc/tutorials/
IT’S (almost) ALL FREE!
Staying in Touch
Charlie Dayton [email protected]
Susan Tidyman [email protected]
Tracy Hanna [email protected]