Chatham to Show Madison Block Schedule Way

Training for teachers to prepare for is due to start in earnest on Monday during after-school department meetings, district Superintendent Dr. Michael Rossi said this week.

To conduct the training, the district is bringing in Chatham teachers who use the schedule.

is one of the high schools that uses the model Madison has adopted for next school year, and is one of four schools that was visited by a committee of Madison parents, students, school board and faculty members who studied scheduling models.

The schedule allows for longer class periods that are held less frequently and during different times of day. It is similar to college scheduling and meant to give students more time to process material, immerse themselves more fully in projects and use different cooperative learning activities, the district has said.

The training costs a total of $600, with each Chatham teacher receiving $100 to conduct the training. Rossi said the district went to Chatham for educators they trust do quality work in the academic field—even if "Chatham is our archnemesis in the sports world."

Rossi said the district felt a need to move swiftly to prepare for the change.

The training was approved by the Board of Education with a 6-2 vote. Board members Kevin Blair and Linda Gilbert voted against the measure. Blair said the cost was significant and he would have liked to see the district explore other options.

Rossi said the training is expected to involve significant preparation and follow-up work on the parts of the teachers.

The Chatham teachers conducting the training: