4 X 4

What is 4 X4?

The 4 X 4 block schedule is a restructured daily schedule that provides four 90 minutes periods of instruction with complete and separate courses taught in each term. Students will typically select twoacademic blocks and two electriv blocks each term for a total of four credits per term and eight credits per year.

Rationale

"The central goal of school is student learning and the purpose of learning is to promote students' cognitive development."

Our Seminole High School motto is "Live by the highest you know." Through the process of Blueprint 2000 and the "renewal" evaluation provided by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), the SHS faculty has conducted an in-depth study of the 4 X 4 block schedule. The research has yielded ample evidence that a restructured schedule designed around longer blocks of instruction will result in significant increases in student learning and mastery of content. We believe that this alternative to the traditional six period day will privde opportunities for students to explore a wider range of special interests and provide students with more individualized teacher contact.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing...has happened in education until it happens to a studnet."

Sample "Typical" Schedule for a 9th Grader

This is a sample plan that students may review in order to assist in planning their schedule for the next year and all four years in high school. This represents a typical schedule for a 9th grader:

	TERM 1-18 WEEKS	TERM 2-18 WEEKS
BLOCK-1	English 1	Math
BLOCK-2	American Government ( 9 weeks) / Geography (9 weeks)	Earth Science
BLOCK-3	Physical Education Block	2/D Art* / *3/D Art
BLOCK-4	Band*	Band*

(*or any other sequential elective)

• 8 credits per year-32 credits total!
• Increased opportunity for advanced studies in a particular area
• More opportunity for academic enrichment-Increased opportunity to take many different electives
• More opportunity for "fast track"dual enrollment courses
• Lighter book bags!
• Students do more active learning-Increased student responsiblity for learning
• More in-depth and interactive projects
• Focus on two acadmeic subjects per term reduces stress, increases effectiveness
• Course rememdiation available during regular school year

• 90 minute instructional periods
• Improved climate for learning-Fewer interruptions in day reduces stress and increases effective teaching and learning
• Improved performance and mastery learning
• Encourages creativity to design different activities to tap into more learning styles
• Increased opportunity for interdisciplinary studies
• Fewer students per teacher per day increases attention for individaul students
• Promotes caring student-teaher relationships
• Increased planning time

• Improved climate for learning
• Increased opportunities for study in all areas including"tech-prep"
• Reduced student and teacher stress
• Improved academic performance
• Improved attendance
• Improved discipline
• Reduced drop out rate