The Time Dilemma in School Restructuring

Findings of a study that identified time management strategies used by schools involved in restructuring to address the problem of time are presented in this paper, which is based on the assertion that school faculties need time to restructure while implementing new programs. Methodology involved a survey of 31 schools and 14 school districts that participated in National Center Programs, such as the Mastery In Learning Consortium, the district-based Learning Laboratories Initiative, and the pre-service preparation based Teacher Education Initiative. Five strategies used by educators to find time for restructuring included using freed-up time, restructured or rescheduled time, common time, better-used time, and purchased time. Findings of other studies appear to substantiate the results. Other considerations include addressing both individual and institutional needs, considering the local context, implementing participative decision making, providing a longterm focus, and informing legislators and policymakers about the need for professional time. A copy of the survey is included. (Contains 18 references.) (LMI) 1.-A.**A;.::*****************************A::**************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document