Equitable School Scheduling
- Cheryl Hibbeln - IlluminatED Collective
- Lori Rhodes - Stamford Public Schools, CT
To understand a school’s values and priorities, look at its schedule.
When schedules do not meet the instructional needs of students, the result is a pipeline from PreK through grade 12 that leaks students, an outcome disproportionately experienced by students of color and other marginalized student groups. This practical and thoughtful guide demonstrates how school and district scheduling teams can become ”Architects of Equity”—highly effective teams who design schedules that reflect their commitment to student achievement and social-emotional wellbeing. Including strategies to shift collective mindsets around scheduling, organize and support teaching teams, and ensure fiscal responsibility in scheduling, Equitable School Scheduling is a vital resource for secondary school leaders committed to dismantling systemic inequities inherent in school structures.
Readers will learn how to
- Self-assess site and/or district data through a deep examination of the course of study, site schedule(s), transcripts, and graduation cohort outcomes.
- Design and implement an Equitable Core—a guaranteed set of courses that all students experience as a part of a meaningful graduation.
- Prioritize underestimated and historically underserved students in the planning of the schedule.
Equitable School Scheduling helps school and district administrators use scheduling as a tool to transform the leaky pipeline to graduation into a meaningful path to post-secondary success for all students.
"In Equitable School Scheduling, the authors make a compelling case for how the designing of school schedules and the programming of learning experiences for students, can foster equitable outcomes. But it takes skill in analyzing schedules and deep understanding of how to change timetables to ensure that students are enrolled in an appropriate sequence of courses that builds their confidence and competence. This book provides scheduling teams a roadmap for building schedules that will benefit students now and for years to come."
"Usually, schools do not see scheduling as a tool of equity. This book clearly shows in much detail how the scheduling process is at the heart of providing equal access and opportunities for producing equitable student outcomes. Authors Hibbeln and Rhodes make a powerful case for schools to use scheduling as a tool to provide equal access to all students, including those English Learners and students in special education. Their book consistently carries the message that 'scheduling mindsets matter' that the Master Schedule reveals the true beliefs, values, attitudes and priorities of the school…it’s the window to the soul of the school."
"By doing the work through the questions and considerations, Equitable School Scheduling lays out a deeply thoughtful path to more equitable scheduling. Anyone who works with scheduling practices at the secondary level should read this book."
"This book is important and especially relevant during this post-COVID time. The authors make clear the link between scheduling and student success and establish the importance of having an equitable mindset when approaching student schedules. It made me more aware how much impact our daily structures have on student and school success. All educators, and especially leaders, will benefit from reading this book."
"If you're looking for high leverage tools to increase equity and achievement across the board, then this book is for you. Without strategic scheduling at all levels, the status quo will continue to knock at the schoolhouse door. Through compelling anecdotes, clear frameworks, and meaningful examples, the authors take readers on a journey of discovery and reflection. This book is a must-read if we want to change the world for learners - including those in our classrooms now and those on the way."
