At LYS we get a lot of questions concerning the building of Master Schedules.  Which is to expected when you are the home of secondary scheduling gurus E. Don Brown and Sherilynn Cotten and elementary scheduling gurus Lesa Cain and Barbara Fine.  Regardless the operational parameters, they can build you the best possible schedule for meeting student needs.

If only it was that easy.  You see at most schools the master schedule is not about students.  In order of priority, here is what drives the building of a master schedule at the typical school:

“A” priority – Ease of creating schedule “A” priority – Make the adults happy “A” priority – Protect a pet project “A” priority – Solve paper problems (trailer course opportunity) “A” priority – Don’t rock the boat “A” priority – Do what we have always done “D” priority – Meet student needs

Compare that to the campus that consistently outperforms its peers (the working definition of a great school).  The Great School master scheduling priorities:

“A” priority – Meet student needs “B” priority – Adequate time to teach “B” priority – Adequate time to plan (with team) “C” priority – Reduce transition events “C” priority – Build expertise “D” priority – Minimize transition time “Z” priority – Ease of creating schedule “Z” priority – Make adults happy

What priorities drive your master schedule?

Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
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