March 1999It's About Time!Four-day weeks, later start times, block scheduling, trimesters
by MILLICENT LAWTON
Schools are modifying their start times based on new research on adolescent sleep needs. Also: What the research says; Kenneth Dragseth, superintendent of the Edina, Minn., discusses his district’s experience using a later high school start; and additional resources. Millicent Lawton is a free-lance education writer in Wellesley, Mass.
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by MICHAEL D. RETTIG
Two of the leading authorities on alternative school schedules examine the fruits of the block at schools nationwide. Also: Two high-achieving schools adopt block schedules; 12 findings about block use; and additional resources. Michael Rettig is an associate professor of education at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va. Robert Lynn Canady is a professor of educational leadership and policy studies at University of Virginia.
by DAVID S. HOTTENSTEIN
The director of secondary education in Horsham, Pa., offers his six-step recipe for effectively putting in place a new school-day schedule.
by MARK F. KEEN
The superintendent of Westfield-Washington Schools in Westfield, Ind., discusses how his district's 500-student high school has benefited from a school year divided into three parts.
by KIMBERLY REEVES
Now in place in several hundred districts, the shorter week is trying to identify academic benefits to support its use. Also: Superintendent Lewis Diggs of Saratoga, Ark., details his district’s decision to drop a day. Kimberly Reeves is a free-lance education writer based in Houston.
Les M. Omotani by JAY P. GOLDMAN
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Defusing a Conversation That Turns Hostile by GEORGIA J. KOSMOSKI
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Symbolism or Vision? The Federal Role in Education by DENISE GLYN BORDERS
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Confronting the Present With Honesty by PAUL D. HOUSTON
My Roadmap for a Lifetime of Reading by ARTHUR STELLAR JR.
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In Cuba, Child-Teacher Relationships Are Key by DANIEL A. DOMENECH
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