The impact of alternative scheduling on Indiana high school choral programs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of alternative scheduling (block 8, modified block, block 4 and trimesters) on Indiana high school vocal music programs. The study was conducted Spring 2000. A random sample of Indiana high school choral directors completed a survey. Subjects reported enrollment figures for two years prior to scheduling change as well as enrollment figures for two consecutive years following the inception of an alternative schedule. Subjects indicated the ability for students in their school to enroll in more than one group or ensemble. In addition, respondents described how their planning and teaching strategies had been impacted by the scheduling change.Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. Mean scores were calculated to assess enrollment trends. Statistical significance (p<.05) was calculated using the chi square test of independence. Qualitative comments were categorized by type and frequency of responses.Findings of the study conclude that scheduling type impacts student enrollment in high school vocal programs. Vocal programs implementing the block 8 schedule reported an increase in student participation. Modified block and trimester programs are maintaining consistent enrollment, while block 4 schools are reporting lower enrollment figures in steady decline. The results also indicated that vocal music programs under the block 8 and modified block schedules are experiencing an increase in the number of students who are able to enroll in multiple ensembles, while block 4 and trimester programs are experiencing a decrease. Results of the chi square test of independence disclose that the size of school using alternative scheduling has no significant relationship to the number of students enrolling in multiple music classes. Respondents indicated that changes in planning strategies and implementation of varied activities are necessary when instructing students under alternative scheduling plans.School of MusicThesis (M.M.