TExES Physical Education EC-12 Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a block scheduling format commonly used in schools?

1. Students take semester long courses with 55-minute classes that meet five times a week totaling to 550 minutes every two weeks.

2. Students take four classes on one day and four different classes the next day.

3. Students take yearlong courses that are converted into half year or semester courses of 90-minute period classes.

4. Students participate in a four-period day, with the entire block lasting for 12 weeks and with only two courses.

The correct answer is: Students take semester long courses with 55-minute classes that meet five times a week totaling to 550 minutes every two weeks.

The reasoning behind determining that the first choice does not represent a commonly used block scheduling format lies in the structure of the time allocation mentioned. In traditional block scheduling, classes are typically longer than the standard 55-minute period and are scheduled fewer times each week, enhancing concentration on each subject. The format described in the first choice suggests a system where students take semester-long courses measured in shorter periods spread across a more frequent schedule, which aligns more closely with traditional scheduling rather than block scheduling. In contrast, the other options describe variations of block scheduling where class durations are extended, and the frequency of class meetings is altered to accommodate a more intensive and focused approach to learning. For instance, meeting four classes on one day and different classes the next is a hallmark of block scheduling, allowing students to experience fewer classes but for longer periods. Similarly, the option discussing yearlong courses converted to shorter semester courses also aligns with common practices in block scheduling, where time is optimized for deeper learning in fewer subjects over extended timeframes. The fourth choice exemplifies a distinct block structure with longer classes concentrated over a shorter term, which is also characteristic of block scheduling strategies.