FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits would be available in a 4 period block schedule?

8 total credits per year, or 4 credits a semester.

How long would classes run under a block schedule?

100 minutes at CHHS and Collegiate High School. At the CHISD STEM Center, Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Science classes are double blocked, this means those classes will meet every day (A or B) and last for 185 minutes.

What will be done to keep courses interesting during the extended period?

The CHISD instructional coordinators will train teachers on instructional frameworks for block scheduling. This will include best practices of what should occur during that class period to ensure it is engaging and beneficial.

How will A/B Block scheduling affect UIL Programs?

Fine Arts - Band, Orchestra and Choir classes are not double blocking our scholars. In these areas, scholars improve daily from consistent rehearsal. Theatre scholars will actually benefit from block scheduling because it generally takes 15 minutes to set up and change for the class and 10 minutes to take everything down. The block schedule will mean more time to complete projects for theatre and even visual arts. High steppers Dance class will be the only Fine Arts course that is double blocked.

Athletics - Athletics will be double blocked which means Longhorn athletes will only technically be in 6 periods instead of 8. Meaning athletics will fill 2 of the 8 blocks.

What will the school day hours be now for Cedar Hill High School, Collegiate High School and the CHISD STEM Center?

CHISD STEM Center - 7:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Cedar Hill High School - 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Collegiate High School - 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

How much time will the Block period consist of each day?

For CHHS scholars, class periods will increase from 50 minutes to 100 minutes long, with four classes on “A Day” and four classes on “B Day”. At the CHISD STEM Center, Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Science classes are double blocked. This means those classes will meet every day (A or B) and last for 185 minutes.

What are travel plans for scholars?

CHISD provides transportation from Cedar Hill High School to the Dr. Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center for the new CTE Pathways where Biomedical Science and Electrical Engineering pathways at the STEM Center.

What classes will be offered typically in the first and last period?

Many of our athletic and fine arts courses (band, drill team) are offered first and last period, however this could change as our campus administrators work through the master schedule for next school year.

How will this impact the volume of homework? Will there be time in class to do some homework? Homework will still be determined by the teacher for each course. Class time will not be used for homework completion. We are not increasing the instructional time just the days that the course is offered for CHHS & Collegiate scholars.

How many classes will freshmen have on their schedule in the new block bell schedule?

We will continue to offer a schedule that affords 8 total credits per school year.

Will the passing periods be changed? Yes, because there are fewer passing periods each day, scholars will have more time in class for instruction. The amount of time for the passing period will stay the same, but there will be fewer passing periods per day.

My scholar will take classes at the new STEM Center, what will be the schedule for the STEM Center?

At the CHISD STEM Center, Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Science classes are double blocked. This means those classes will meet every day (A/B day) and last for 185 minutes. The STEM Center Daily schedule is below:

STEM Center Daily Schedule
Period	Starts	Ends	Length
A Day	Session 1	7:55	11:00	185 min
Session 2	12:20	3:25	185 min
B Day	Session 1	7:55	11:00	185 min
Session 2	12:20	3:25	185 min

At the STEM Center, teachers will have a 45 minute conference period and lunch will take place between Session 1 and Session 2. A shuttle bus will transport scholars from CHHS to the STEM Center daily to participate in classes for the two new career pathways.

What is the impact on the district accountability rating, specifically College, Career, and Military Readiness?  No impact.

How does transitioning to a block schedule support teacher growth and development?

CHISD has planned training for teachers to help them adjust to teaching to a block schedule to ensure lessons are engaging and classroom management is consistent. For teachers, a block schedule means they see fewer scholars over the course of the day which allows them the time to build closer bonds and get to know each scholar’s individual learning needs more deeply.

• Block scheduling means that teachers can take advantage of smaller group lessons more frequently. With smaller groups, collaborative learning can take place more easily.

• Teachers will see fewer scholars over the course of the day. This means that teachers can build closer bonds and get to know each scholar’s individual learning needs more deeply.

• When there are fewer classes per day, teachers can focus on specific lesson development.