Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3)
PO Box 261, Belchertown, MA 01007
(o) 800-459-3253
(f) 866-430-5449
(w) www.S-3.us
Bell Schedule Evaluation
prepared for the
Baltimore County Public Schools
May 17, 2013
Revised March 11, 2014
This Bell Schedule Evaluation (BSE) Report was prepared by Scholastic Scheduling Solutions
(S3) (Consultant) for the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) (Client).
1. BSE Objectives and Methodologies.
BSE Objectives
1.
Provide multiple bell schedule scenarios, including the supporting data and metrics, for the Client to
review and select the bell schedule(s) that best meets your objectives.
2.
The BSE will focus, at a minimum, upon the following areas:
a. Development of a uniform bell schedule(s) for the district
b. Budgetary impact (e.g., staffing, transportation, etc.)
c. Optimize instructional time
d. Optimize staffing allocation
Methodology
The BSE is one part of the larger Master Schedule Process Improvement Project (MSPIP) that begun in 2012
between Client and Consultant. In the course of the MSPIP, the Consultant sent out over 200 surveys (Master
Schedule Requirement Workbooks (MSRWs)) which resulted in well over 16,000 data points. S3 evaluated
these data points and from them developed the BSE, the Master Schedule Process Plan (MSPP) and the
Master Schedule Findings and Recommendations Report (MSFRR).
TM
NOTICE—RESTRICTION ON USE AND DISCLOSURE. The information contained in this Bell Schedule Evaluation (BSE)
report constitutes a trade secret and/or information that is commercial and confidential. Misappropriation is not
TM
permitted. The BSE is furnished to Baltimore County (BC) in confidence with the understanding that, without
3
permission of Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S ), LLC, the document will not be used, reproduced, distributed or
disclosed, in whole or in part, other than for use by and within BC.
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
2. Bell Schedules and Parameters Used in Comparison. The following Scheduling Parameters and Bell Schedule
Scenarios were evaluated within this BSE:
SCHEDULING PARAMETERS:
Driver Title
Captured Parameters
Bell schedule types
No restrictions: Traditional, Block, Rotating, Period Drop(s)
Shortest class period
50 minutes (both Middle School (MS) & High School (HS))
Longest class period
90 minutes (HS)
75 minutes (MS)
Course lengths
Year long, semesters, quarters
Shortest day
420 minutes
Longest day
420 minutes
Day extension
Could be explored
Minimum periods per day
6 (HS)
4 (MS – if 90 minute blocks)
Maximum periods per day
8 (HS & MS)
Same number of courses
everyday
Yes to provide consistency for students (M-F)
Double content
Yes – Tier III High Schools & Middle Schools
Incorporated Academic
intervention
Would like to include an advisory period
Minimum Length:
40 minutes (HS)
50 minutes (MS)
Maximum Length:
45 minutes (HS)
50 minutes (MS)
Frequency:
Dependent upon Tier Level and type of schedule, make as often as
possible
Common planning
Models should support common planning by Department and
Team/Grade Level
Student numbers per class room
Average:
26 (HS & MS)
Maximum:
32 (HS & MS)
Priorities for the District
Flexibility
Planning Time
Instructional Time
Academic Intervention (for all tier levels)
Maximum of four (4) HS Bell Schedule options
Academic Support
Page 2 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
OTHER CONSIDERED FACTORS:

The current BCPS teacher contract states that teachers receive at least one planning period per
day.

Number of courses a Tier-3 student needs to take. (A Tier-3 student needs Science, Social
Studies, Double English, Double Math, PE/Fine Art which totals seven (7) periods.

We did not include SPED or ESL in the staffing allocations.
ABOUT SCENARIOS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT:
Each scenario was evaluated based on a 420 minute day.
Focus: In assessing the different bell schedule scenarios, the Consultant evaluated the total
number of staff required and the amount of class time available for students.
BELL SCHEDULE SCENARIOS – HIGH SCHOOLS:

HS SCENARIO 1: TRADITIONAL 7-PERIOD DAY (7 CLASSES MEET EVERY DAY).
o
All teachers teach 5-out-of-7 periods.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
English
English Support
Math
Math Support
Social Studies
Science
Elective 1
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Social Studies 1
Social Studies 2
Social Studies 3
Social Studies 4
Social Studies 5
With Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
English 1
English Support 1
English 2
English Support 2
????
Page 3 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

HS SCENARIO 2: TRADITIONAL 8-PERIOD DAY (8 CLASSES MEET EVERY DAY).
o
All teachers teach 6-out-of-8 periods.
Student Schedule
English
English Support
Math
Math Support
Social Studies
Science
Elective 1
Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
Social Studies 1
Social Studies 2
Social Studies 3
Social Studies 4
Social Studies 5
Social Studies 6
0
0
With Double Content:
English 1
English Support 1
English 2
English Support 2
English 3
English Support 3
0
Page 4 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

HS SCENARIO 3: 4X4 SEMESTER BLOCK (8 PERIODS – 4 CLASSES MEET PER SEMESTER).
o
All teachers teach 3-out-of-4 periods per semester.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
SEM 1
English
Math
Social Studies
Elective 1
1
2
3
4
SEM 2
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
SEM 1
SEM 2
1 Social Studies 1 1 Social Studies 4
2 Social Studies 2 2 Social Studies 5
3 Social Studies 3 3 Social Studies 6
4
4
With Double Content:
SEM 1
SEM 2
1 English 1 1 English Support 1
2 English 2 2 English Support 2
3 English 3 3 English Support 3
4
4
Page 5 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

HS SCENARIO 4: 4X4 AB BLOCK (8 PERIODS – 4 CLASSES MEET PER DAY).
o
All teachers teach 3-out-of-4 periods per day.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
A DAY
English
Math
Social Studies
Elective 1
1
2
3
4
B DAY
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
A DAY
B DAY
1 Social Studies 1 1 Social Studies 4
2 Social Studies 2 2 Social Studies 5
3 Social Studies 3 3 Social Studies 6
4
4
With Double Content:
A DAY
B DAY
1 English 1 1 English Support 1
2 English 2 2 English Support 2
3 English 3 3 English Support 3
4
4

4X4 BLOCK WITH ADVISORY OPTION (8 PERIODS – 4 CLASSES MEET PER DAY/SEMESTER WITH AN ADVISORY PERIOD).
o
All teachers teach 3-out-of-4 periods either per day or per semester.
Student Schedule
A DAY
B DAY
1 English
1 English Support
2 Math
2 Math Support
ADV Advisory
ADV
Advisory
3 Social Studies 3 Science
4 Elective 1
4 Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
A DAY
B DAY
1 Social Studies 1 1 Social Studies 4
2 Social Studies 2 2 Social Studies 5
ADV
Advisory
ADV
Advisory
3 Social Studies 3 3 Social Studies 6
4
4
With Double Content:
A DAY
B DAY
1 English 1
1 English Support 1
2 English 2
2 English Support 2
ADV Advisory ADV
Advisory
3 English 3
3 English Support 3
4
4
Page 6 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

HS SCENARIO 5: 8-PERIOD CASCADE TWO DROP (8 PERIODS – 6 CLASSES MEET PER DAY).
o
All teachers teach 6-out-of-8.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
5
6
7
DAY 1
English
English Support
Elective 1
Math
Math Support
Science
2
3
4
6
7
8
DAY 2
English Support
Elective 1
Social Studies
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
3
4
1
7
8
5
DAY 3
Elective 1
Social Studies
English
Science
Elective 2
Math
4
1
2
8
5
6
DAY 4
Social Studies
English
English Support
Elective 2
Math
Math Support
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
DAY 1
1 Social Studies 1 2
2 Social Studies 2 3
3
4
5 Social Studies 4 6
6 Social Studies 5 7
7 Social Studies 6 8
DAY 2
Social Studies 2 3
4
Social Studies 3 1
Social Studies 5 7
Social Studies 6 8
5
DAY 3
DAY 4
4 Social Studies 3
Social Studies 3 1 Social Studies 1
Social Studies 1 2 Social Studies 2
Social Studies 6 8
5 Social Studies 4
Social Studies 4 6 Social Studies 5
With Double Content:
DAY 1
English 1
English Support 1
English 2
English Support 2
1
2
3
5
6
7 English 3
DAY 2
2 English Support 1 3
3 English 2
4
4
1
6
7
7 English 3
8
8 English Support 3 5
DAY 3
English 2
4
1
English 1
2
English 3
8
English Support 3 5
English Support 2 6
DAY 4
English 1
English Support 1
English Support 3
English Support 2
Page 7 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

HS SCENARIO 6: MODIFIED BLOCK (8 CLASSES MEET MONDAY – 4 MEET EVERY OTHER DAY).
o
All teachers teach 6-out-of-8 periods.
Student Schedule
DAY 1 / DAY 3
1 English
2 Math
3 Social Studies
4 Elective 1
1
2
3
4
DAY 2 / DAY 4
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
Staff Schedules
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
DAY 5
English
Math
Social Studies
Elective 1
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
Without Double Content:
DAY 1 / DAY 3
DAY 2 / DAY 4
1 Social Studies 1 1 Social Studies 4
2 Social Studies 2 2 Social Studies 5
3 Social Studies 3 3 Social Studies 6
4
4
DAY 5
1 Social Studies 1
2 Social Studies 2
3 Social Studies 3
4
5 Social Studies 4
6 Social Studies 5
7 Social Studies 6
8
With Double Content:
DAY 1 / DAY 3
1 English 1
2 English 2
3 English 3
4
DAY 2 / DAY 4
DAY 5
1 English Support 1 1 English 1
2 English Support 2 2 English 2
3 English Support 3 3 English 3
4
4
5 English Support 1
6 English Support 2
7 English Support 3
8
Page 8 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

HS SCENARIO 7: MODIFIED BLOCK (8 CLASSES MEET MONDAY – 6 MEET EVERY OTHER DAY).
o
All teachers teach 6-out-of-8.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
5
6
7
DAY 1
English
English Support
Elective 1
Math
Math Support
Science
2
3
4
6
7
8
DAY 2
English Support
Elective 1
Social Studies
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
3
4
1
7
8
5
DAY 3
Elective 1
Social Studies
English
Science
Elective 2
Math
4
1
2
8
5
6
DAY 4
Social Studies
English
English Support
Elective 2
Math
Math Support
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
DAY 5
English
English Support
Elective 1
Social Studies
Math
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
DAY 1
1 Social Studies 1
2 Social Studies 2
3
5 Social Studies 4
6 Social Studies 5
7 Social Studies 6
DAY 2
2 Social Studies 2
3
4 Social Studies 3
6 Social Studies 5
7 Social Studies 6
8
DAY 3
3
4
1
7
8
5
Social Studies 3
Social Studies 1
Social Studies 6
Social Studies 4
DAY 4
DAY 5
4 Social Studies 3 1 Social Studies 1
1 Social Studies 1 2 Social Studies 2
2 Social Studies 2 3
8
4 Social Studies 3
5 Social Studies 4 5 Social Studies 4
6 Social Studies 5 6 Social Studies 5
7 Social Studies 6
8
With Double Content:
DAY 1
English 1
English Support 1
English 2
English Support 2
1
2
3
5
6
7 English 3
DAY 2
2 English Support 1
3 English 2
4
6
7 English 3
8 English Support 3
DAY 3
3 English 2
4
1 English 1
7 English 3
8 English Support 3
5 English Support 2
DAY 4
4
1
2
8
5
6
English 1
English Support 1
English Support 3
English Support 2
DAY 5
1 English 1
2 English Support 1
3 English 2
4
5 English Support 2
6
7 English 3
8 English Support 3
Page 9 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

HS SCENARIO 8: 5X5 AB BLOCK.
o
All teachers teach 8-out-of-10.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
5
A DAY
English
Math
Social Studies
Elective 1
Elective 2
1
2
3
4
5
B DAY
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 3
Elective 4
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
A DAY
Social Studies 1
Social Studies 2
Social Studies 3
Social Studies 4
1
2
3
4
5
B DAY
Social Studies 5
Social Studies 6
Social Studies 7
Social Studies 8
With Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
A DAY
English 1
English 2
English 3
English 4
1
2
3
4
5
B DAY
English Support 1
English Support 2
English Support 3
English Support 4
Page 10 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
3. High School Enrollment by School.
High School Enrollment by School
0
Crossroads Center
Sollers Point
Sparrows Point
Carver
500
809
897
Overlea
922
Western
924
Loch Raven
933
973
1,022
1,064
Eastern
1,192
Lansdowne
1,220
Dundalk
Hereford
1,259
1,316
Milford Mill
1,415
Woodlawn
1,422
Towson
1,424
Patapsco
1,451
Parkville
1,519
Franklin
1,528
Kenwood
Catonsville
Dulaney
Perry Hall
2,500
761
Pikesville
Chesepeake
2,000
543
895
Randallstown
1,500
217
New Town
Owings Mill
1,000
1,732
1,802
1,872
2,202
Page 11 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
4. Bell Schedule Minute Comparison. All minute calculations were based on four (4) minutes of travel time between
classes and a 30-minute lunch.
420 Minute Day
Bell Schedule
Scenarios
Class Size
HS Scenario 1: HS Scenario 2:
Traditional
Traditional
7-Period Day 8-Period Day
26
26
HS Scenario 3:
HS Scenario 5:
HS Scenario 6: HS Scenario 7:
HS Scenario 4:
HS Scenario 8:
4x4 Semester
8 Period Cascade - Modified Block Modified Block
4x4 AB Block
5x5 AB Block
Block
Two Drop
(8 and 4)
(8 and 6)
26
26
26
26
26
26
1 @ 45
4 @ 61
74
Minutes in a Period
52
45
94
94
61
1 @ 45
4 @ 94
Shortest Period
52
45
94
94
61
45
45
74
Longest Period
52
45
94
94
61
94
61
74
Minutes of Class
Time per Year
9,360
8,100
8,460
8,460
8,235
8,388
8,208
6,660
Total Number of
Times a Class
Meets per Year
180
180
90
90
135
108
180
90
Student Course
Load for the Year
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
10
Student Course
Load per Day
7
8
4
4
6
8 on one day
4 on all other
days
8 on one day
6 on all other
days
5
Total Credit
Periods (number of
periods * 4 years)
28
32
32
32
32
32
32
40
Staff Planning per
10 Days
10
10
10
10
15
14
15
10
Teacher Load per
Day
5
6
3
3
4/5
6/3
6/4 or 5
4
Number of
Planning Minutes
520
450
910
910
900
932
915
740
Number of Passing
Times
6
7
3
3
5
7 on one day
3 on all other
days
6
4
Advisory Option
N
N
N
Y
N
N
7 on one day
5 on all other
days
4
Y
Y
Length of Advisory
45
45
44
Total Number of
Times Advisory
180
180
144
Minutes in a Period
83
83
1 @ 45
4 @ 83
Minutes of Class
Time per Year
7,470
7,470
7,596
Teacher Planning
Minutes
830
830
844
4
4
Number of Passing
Times
6
7
5
7 on one day
4 on all other
days
Highlighted entries are slightly over BCPS longest period parameter (90 minutes).
Highlighted entry is slightly under BCPS shortest period parameter (50 minutes).
Page 12 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
5. Total Estimated High School Staff. The following bar graph illustrates that the Scenario 8: 5x5 AB Block with two
courses doubled requires the least amount of staff followed by any of the 8-period scenarios: Scenario 2, Scenario
3, Scenario 4, Scenario 5, Scenario 6 and Scenario 7. The Traditional 7-Period day, Scenario 3, offers the most
instructional time.
The bar on the left is the number of staff needed without taking in account double content. The bar on the right is
number of staff with needed when 25% of the courses are double blocked.
2,500
Total Estimated High School Staff
2,450
2,400
2,350
2,300
2,250
9,360
minute
s per
2,200
8,100
minute
s per
2,150
8,460
minute
s per
8,460
minute
s per
8,235
minute
s per
8,388
minute
s per
8,208
minute
s per
2,100
6,660
minute
s per
2,050
2,000
HS Scenario 1
7 periods {5 of 7}
HS Scenario 2
HS Scenario 3
8 periods {6 of 8} 4x4 Semester Block
HS Scenario 4
4x4 AB Block
HS Scenario 5
HS Scenario 6
HS Scenario 7
8 Period Cascade - Modified Block {8 Modified Block {8
Two Drop
and 4}
and 6}
HS Scenario 8
5x5 AB Block
Page 13 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
6. Analysis.
HS Scenario 1: Traditional 7-Period Day: The benefits of the 7-Period Day are (1) It allows for the most
total instructional time, (2) Supports continuity of curriculum, (3) Being able to better accommodate out-ofdistrict transfers, (4) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, (5) Consistent Monday – Friday schedule.
The weaknesses of the 7-Period Day are (1) Students transferring from an 8-period schedule will lose credit,
(2) Reduction in the amount of time per period (only 52 minutes), (3) A maximum of 28 credits over four (4)
years, (4) Increased time in the halls.
HS Scenario 2: Traditional 8-Period Day: The benefits of the 8-Period Day are (1) Supports continuity of
curriculum, (2) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, and (3) Consistent Monday – Friday schedule.
The weaknesses of the 8-Period Day are (1) Reduction in the amount of time per period (only 45 minutes),
(2) Increased time in the halls.
HS Scenario 3: 4x4 Semester Block: The benefits of the 4x4 Semester Block are (1) Reduced student and
teacher workload: students will have only four (4) academic subjects per semester, and teachers will have
three courses per semester, (2) Reduced student-teacher ratio, (3) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements,
(4) Extended class periods, (5) Tier-1 students have the ability to accelerate through the general
requirements and get to more rigorous academic subjects sooner, (6) Number of textbooks required is
reduced by between 30 and 50 percent, (7) Supports Advisory period.
The weaknesses of the 4x4 Semester Block are (1) Teachers will need professional development and support
for how to best teach within the extended block, (2) Students transferring in from out-of-district may
struggle, (3) Preparing for end of year tests, (4) Potential long gaps in content (e.g., Spanish I semester 1 –
Freshman Year, Spanish II semester 1 – Sophomore Year), (5) Potential limits on the number of AP Courses a
student can take.
HS Scenario 4: 4x4 AB Block: The benefits of the 4x4 AB Block are (1) Extended class periods, (2) Supports
continuity of curriculum, (3) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, (4) Being able to better accommodate
out-of-district transfers, (4) Supports better results in tested content on End of Year testing, (5) Supports
Advisory period.
The weaknesses of the 4x4 AB Block are (1) Teachers will need professional development and support for
how to best teach within the extended block, (2) Lack of daily immersion in subject material (i.e., Foreign
Language).
HS Scenario 5: 8-Period Cascade Two Drop: The benefits of the 8-Period Cascade Two-Drop are (1)
Increase the time in class over the Traditional 7 or 8 period day and decrease the amount of passing time, (2)
Classes meet more often better supporting skill reinforcement, (3) Supports continuity of curriculum, (4)
Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, (5) Being able to better accommodate out-of-district transfers.
The weaknesses of the 8-Period Cascade Two-Drop schedule are (1) It can be confusing for Teachers and
Students to follow, (2) Reduction in the amount of time per period (only 61 minutes).
HS Scenario 6: Modified Block (8 and 4): The benefits of the Modified Block are (1) Extended class periods,
(2) Supports continuity of curriculum, (3) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, (4) Consistent Monday –
Friday schedule, (5) Supports Advisory period.
The weaknesses of the Modified Block are (1) Short period day does not meet minimum requirement as set
by Client, (2) Teachers will need professional development and support for how to best teach within the
extended block, (3) Increased time in the halls on short period day.
Page 14 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
HS Scenario 7: Modified Block (8 and 6): The benefits of the Modified Block are (1) Extended class periods,
(2) Supports continuity of curriculum, (3) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, (4) Consistent Monday –
Friday schedule.
The weaknesses of the Modified Block are (1) Short period day does not meet minimum requirement as set
by Client, (2) Increased time in the halls on short period day, (3) Unable to share staff with schools on
different schedule type.
HS Scenario 8: 5x5 AB Block: The benefits of the 5x5 AB Block are (1) Extended class periods, (2) Supports
Tier-3 academic requirements, (3) Supports continuity of curriculum, (4) Being able to better accommodate
out-of-district transfers, (5) Increased opportunity for student to take electives.
The weaknesses of the 5x5 AB Block are (1) Increased workload for Teachers and Students, (2) Teachers will
need professional development and support for how to best plan for the alternating block, (3) There is an
exchange of time in core content for more time in elective courses.
Page 15 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
BELL SCHEDULE SCENARIOS – MIDDLE SCHOOLS:

MS SCENARIO 1: TRADITIONAL 7-PERIOD DAY (7 CLASSES MEET EVERY DAY).
o
All teachers teach 5-out-of-7 periods.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
English
English Support
Math
Math Support
Social Studies
Science
Elective 1
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Social Studies 1
Social Studies 2
Social Studies 3
Social Studies 4
Social Studies 5
With Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

English 1
English Support 1
English 2
English Support 2
????
MS SCENARIO 2: 4X4 SEMESTER BLOCK (8 PERIODS – 4 CLASSES MEET PER SEMESTER).
o
All teachers teach 3-out-of-4 periods per semester.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
SEM 1
English
Math
Social Studies
Elective 1
1
2
3
4
SEM 2
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
SEM 1
SEM 2
1 Social Studies 1 1 Social Studies 4
2 Social Studies 2 2 Social Studies 5
3 Social Studies 3 3 Social Studies 6
4
4
With Double Content:
SEM 1
SEM 2
1 English 1 1 English Support 1
2 English 2 2 English Support 2
3 English 3 3 English Support 3
4
4
Page 16 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

MS SCENARIO 3: 4X4 AB BLOCK (8 PERIODS – 4 CLASSES MEET PER DAY).
o
All teachers teach 6-out-of-8 periods.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
A DAY
English
Math
Social Studies
Elective 1
1
2
3
4
B DAY
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
A DAY
B DAY
1 Social Studies 1 1 Social Studies 4
2 Social Studies 2 2 Social Studies 5
3 Social Studies 3 3 Social Studies 6
4
4
With Double Content:
A DAY
B DAY
1 English 1 1 English Support 1
2 English 2 2 English Support 2
3 English 3 3 English Support 3
4
4

4X4 BLOCK WITH ADVISORY OPTION (8 PERIODS – 4 CLASSES MEET PER DAY/SEMESTER WITH AN ADVISORY PERIOD).
o
All teachers teach 3-out-of-4 periods either per day or per semester.
Student Schedule
A DAY
B DAY
1 English
1 English Support
2 Math
2 Math Support
ADV Advisory
ADV
Advisory
3 Social Studies 3 Science
4 Elective 1
4 Elective 2
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
A DAY
B DAY
1 Social Studies 1 1 Social Studies 4
2 Social Studies 2 2 Social Studies 5
ADV
Advisory
ADV
Advisory
3 Social Studies 3 3 Social Studies 6
4
4
With Double Content:
1
2
ADV
3
4
A DAY
B DAY
English 1
1 English Support 1
English 2
2 English Support 2
Advisory ADV
Advisory
English 3
3 English Support 3
4
Page 17 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools

MS SCENARIO 4: 5X5 AB BOCK (10 PERIOD – 5 CLASSES PER DAY).
o
All teachers teach 6-out-of-8 periods.
Student Schedule
1
2
3
4
5
A DAY
English
Math
Social Studies
Elective 1
Elective 2
1
2
3
4
5
B DAY
English Support
Math Support
Science
Elective 3
Elective 4
Staff Schedules
Without Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
A DAY
Social Studies 1
Social Studies 2
Social Studies 3
Social Studies 4
1
2
3
4
5
B DAY
Social Studies 5
Social Studies 6
Social Studies 7
Social Studies 8
With Double Content:
1
2
3
4
5
A DAY
English 1
English 2
English 3
English 4
1
2
3
4
5
B DAY
English Support 1
English Support 2
English Support 3
English Support 4
Page 18 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
7. Middle School Enrollment by School.
Middle School Enrollment by School
0
200
400
Dundalk
459
Windsor Mill
476
Sparrows Point
Golden Ring
Woodlawn
645
Lansdowne
677
Stemmer Run
684
Arbutus
750
Loch Raven
755
General John Stricker
771
Catonsville
777
Deep Creek
791
Hereford
1,021
Perry Hall
1,600
1,800
936
Sudbrook Magnet
Franklin
1,400
903
1,017
Deer Park
1,200
844
Parkville
Ridgely
1,000
608
639
Pine Grove
800
520
Holabird
Middle River
600
1,096
1,226
1,336
1,550
Page 19 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
8. Bell Schedule Minute Comparison: 420 Minute Day. All minute calculations were based on three (3) minutes of
travel time between classes and a 30-minute lunch.
Bell Schedule
Scenarios
MS Scenario 1:
Traditional
7-Period Day
MS Scenario 2: 4x4 MS Scenario 3:
Semester Block
4x4 AB Block
MS Scenario 4:
5x5 AB Block
Class Size
26
26
26
26
Minutes in a Period
52
94
94
74
Minutes of Class
Time per Year
9,360
8,460
8,460
6,660
Total Number of
Times a Class Meets
per Year
180
90
90
90
Student Course Load
for the Year
7
8
8
10
Student Course Load
per Day
7
4
4
5
Staff Planning per 10
Days
10
10
10
10
Teacher Load per
Day
5
3
3
4
Number of Planning
Minutes
520
910
910
740
Number of Passing
Times
6
3
3
4
Advisory Option
N
Y
Y
N
Length of Advisory
45
45
Total Number of
Times Advisory
Meets per Year
180
180
Minutes in a Period
83
83
7,470
7,470
830
830
4
4
Minutes of Class
Time per Year
Teacher Planning
Minutes
Number of Passing
Times
6
4
Highlighted entries are over BCPS longest period parameter (90 minutes).
Page 20 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
9. Total Estimated Middle School Staff. The following bar graph illustrates that the double blocked 5x5 AB Block
scenario: Scenario 4 requires the least amount of staff; however the Traditional 7-period day scenario: Scenario 1
offers the most instructional time.
The bar on the left is the number of staff needed without taking in account double content. The bar on the right is number
of staff with needed when 25% of the courses are double blocked.
Total Estimated Middle School Staff
1,550
1,500
1,450
1,400
1,350
9,360
minutes
per class
1,300
8,460
minutes
per class
8,460
minutes
per class
MS Scenario 2
4x4 Semester Block
MS Scenario 3
4x4 AB Block
6,660
minutes
per class
1,250
MS Scenario 1
7 periods {5 of 7}
MS Scenario 4
5x5 AB Block
Page 21 of 22
Scholastic Scheduling Solutions (S3) – Bell Schedule Evaluation Report – Baltimore County Public Schools
10. Analysis.
MS Scenario 1: Traditional 7-Period Day: The benefits of the 7-Period Day are (1) It allows for the most
total instructional time, (2) Supports continuity of curriculum, (3) Being able to better accommodate out-ofdistrict transfers, (4) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, (5) Consistent Monday – Friday schedule.
The weaknesses of the 7-Period Day are (1) Increased workload for Teachers and Students, (2) Reduction in
the amount of time per period (only 52 minutes), (3) Increased time in the halls.
MS Scenario 2: 4x4 Semester Block: The benefits of the 4x4 Semester Block are (1) Reduced student and
teacher workload: students will have only four (4) academic subjects per semester, and teachers will have
three courses per semester, (2) Reduced student-teacher ratio, (3) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements,
(4) Extended class periods, (5) Tier-1 students have the ability to accelerate through the general
requirements and get to more rigorous academic subjects sooner, (6) Supports Advisory period.
The weaknesses of the 4x4 Semester Block are (1) Teachers will need professional development and support
for how to best teach within the extended block, (2) Students transferring in from out-of-district may
struggle, (3) Preparing for end of year tests, (4) Potential long gaps in content (e.g., Science – first semester
7th grade, Science – second semester 8th grade).
MS Scenario 3: 4x4 AB Block: The benefits of the 4x4 AB Block are (1) Extended class periods, (2) Supports
continuity of curriculum, (3) Supports Tier-3 academic requirements, (4) Being able to better accommodate
out-of-district transfers, (5) Supports Advisory period.
The weaknesses of the 4x4 AB Block are (1) Increased workload for Teachers and Students, (2) Teachers will
need professional development and support for how to best teach within the extended block.
MS Scenario 4: 5x5 AB Block: The benefits of the 5x5 AB Block are (1) Extended class periods, (2) Supports
Tier-3 academic requirements, (3) Supports continuity of curriculum, (4) Being able to better accommodate
out-of-district transfers, (5) Increased opportunity for electives for Tier-1 students..
The weaknesses of the 5x5 AB Block are (1) Increased workload for Teachers and Students, (2) Teachers will
need professional development and support for how to best plan for the alternating block, (3) There is an
exchange of time in core content for more time in elective courses.
11. Disclaimer. Modifications within the Client’s district environment may change the data requirements and
constraints utilized in the development of this BSE, which will affect the calculated staffing projections.
Such alterations in the Client’s district environment include, but are not limited to, a change in teacher
contracts, educational methodology, or the number of students.
Page 22 of 22