Superintendent of Schools SUBJECT: THE 4X4 BLOCK SCHEDULING MODEL IN BROWARD COUNTY,

The attached research brief highlights the 4X4 block scheduling model in Broward County’s district high schools. This research brief was prepared in response to a recommendation in the Block Scheduling Evaluation Report, released in January 2000. Broward County’s high schools have implemented various scheduling methods including the Rotating 7 schedule and block scheduling models such as the 4X4 model, the 4+1 model, and the A/B model. This research brief focuses on the 4X4 block scheduling model which offers students unique opportunities including the ability to earn eight credits per year and the possibility of graduating high school in less than four years. The 4X4 schools function with a reduction in the number of hours of instruction per course (135 hours for 4X4 vs. 154 hours for Rotating 7 schools), as well as a one semester gap between the time students complete first semester Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the time they complete their AP exams. This brief will show that students do take advantage of their opportunity to take more courses and to graduate in less than four years. In addition, this brief will show that there is, in fact, no negative impact of the 4X4 schedule to students ’ scores on the AP exams. If you have any questions, please contact me at 760-7342. FT/KAB/COS/ESJ:tb