This practical book shows you how to motivate and train teachers, establish community support, develop new classroom strategies, and measure success of the 4 X 4 block schedule.

In 1965 the International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science founded the Nicolas Copernicus Committee whose main task was to explore the means by th which different nations could co-operate in celebrating the 5 centenary of the great scholar's birth. The committee initiated the publication of a collection of studies dealing with the effect that Copernicus' theory has had on scientific developments in centres of learning all over the world. An Editorial Board, consisting of J. Dobrzycki (Warsaw), J. R. Ravetz (Leeds), H. Sandblad (Goteborg) and B. Sticker (Hamburg), was nominated. We found that our initiative aroused a lively interest among Copernicus scholars; the present volume, with 11 articles by authors from nine American, Asian and European countries, contains the result of their research. It appears in the series 'Studia Coper nicana' by agreement with the Polish Academy of Science, and we hope to publish a number of other contributions in a subsequent volume. We are happy to say that our efforts have been fruitful and that this volume presents not only several in-depth studies, but also a more general survey of the rules governing the evolution of science, rules set within the framework of Copernicus' theory as it developed among various nations and in various scientific institutions over the centuries. It has been shown once again that, 500 years after his birth, the work of Copernicus remains a source of scientific interest and continues to stimulate fresh study and research.

This bestseller shows you how block schedules can enhance learning and instruction, increase opportunities for students, and improve teachers' performance. It provides practical tools for planning and implementation.

Designed as a guide for practitioners, this book draws on over 600 sources to discuss school restructuring definitions, trends, and issues; achievements of a few select schools; and implementation techniques and strategies. Two overarching, indirectly stated issues pervading the reconceptualization of schooling are multiculturalism and a caring school staff. The book is organized into four parts. Part 1, Rationale and Context, presents a historical context for restructuring and a summary of the current motivations for, and implications of, educational restructuring. Part 2, Changing Roles and Responsibilities, examines the evolution of new roles for essentially all the groups that participate in public education. Part 3, Dimensions of Restructuring, explores the concepts of incremental and discontinuous change and extensively discusses current school restructuring activities along 12 dimensions: learner outcomes, curriculum, instruction, assessment, learning environment, technology, school-community relations, time schedules, governance, teacher leadership, personnel definitions and roles, and working relationships. Part 4, Process of Restructuring, captures the lessons being learned about the restructuring process and presents examples of strategies and techniques. (Contains over 600 references.) (MLH)

For administrators and others involved in the transition to block schedules, this book provides answers to the complex and challenging questions raised by the curious and the skeptical. It demonstrates how to overcome obstacles to systemic school improvements.