MAXIMIZE LEARNING THROUGH BLOCK SCHEDULING

Design bell-to-bell structures for longer periods that raise rigor, independence, and results.

Quick facts

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Format

Facilitated cohort plus self-paced modules

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Time

25 hours total

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Certificate

Yes

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Price

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Agency by Design:

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Agency by Design:

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Agency by Design:

Why this VLC

Longer class periods offer time for depth, practice, and feedback. They also require a different design. In this VLC, you will plan bell-to-bell structures for 70–100 minute blocks, balance mini-lessons with work time, and use rotation or workshop models that keep thinking high. You will integrate formative checks, differentiation, and executive function routines so students can plan, start, stick, and finish without losing momentum.

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Agency by Design:

replace tasks with authentic problems and give learners real decisions to make.

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Structures First:

time, resources, choice, and feedback systems that transfer responsibility to the learner.

Who it is for

Teachers and instructional coaches working on A/B, 4x4, or modified block schedules

Structures First:

School leaders aligning classroom routines to a new or existing block schedule

Executive Function for All:

Teams seeking practical pacing, station, and workshop structures for longer periods

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Evidence of Learning:

use student work to guide the next move, not just to record a grade.

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Human and Tech Together:

tools serve the design, not the other way around.

Professional Learning That Puts Learners in Charge

Great teaching is design. Our Professional Learning Experiences help teams create learner-active environments where people own the work, build executive function, and solve authentic problems.

What you will gain

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Replace tasks with purpose-driven problems

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Build structures for choice, time, and resources learners can manage

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Coach executive function skills that drive results

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Use evidence of learning to adjust in real time

What you will be able to do

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Map a bell-to-bell sequence for 70–100 minute blocks with clear time boxes

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Blend direct instruction, guided practice, and independent work with purpose

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Use rotation, station, or workshop models to keep every learner engaged

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Build quick formative checks that drive regrouping and next steps inside the block

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Differentiate with choice pathways and targeted support without lowering rigor

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Teach executive function routines for planning, prioritizing, and reflection

Syllabus snapshot

  • THE LOGIC OF THE BLOCK

    Six people on a park bench, discussing while using laptops and tablets in the sunlight.

    Takeaway: Understand why longer periods need new structures and how to sequence bell-to-bell learning.

  • PLAN THE ARC

    Group of people working on laptops around a table with holographic icons floating above them.

    Takeaway: Build a time-boxed template that balances mini-lesson, guided practice, and independent work.

  • ROTATION AND WORKSHOP MODELS

    Group of six people outdoors, conversing, holding papers and tablets near a tree and building.

    Takeaway: Design stations, conferences, and small-group instruction that keep every student working with purpose.

  • EVIDENCE INSIDE THE PERIOD

    Laptop on desk with icons, beside a potted plant, near a window with sunlight.

    Takeaway: Create quick checks, look-fors, and regrouping moves that drive instruction in real time.

  • DIFFERENTIATE WITHOUT LOSING FLOW

    Person sitting at picnic table in forest, using laptop. Sunlight shines through trees.

    Takeaway: Use choice pathways, scaffolds, and EF routines so students self-manage and stay on task.

  • TECH AND WORKFLOW

    Group of people with tablets, outdoors, surrounded by digital icons, discussing something.

    Takeaway: Set up simple tools for distributing tasks, capturing evidence, and giving feedback efficiently.

  • READY TO RUN

    Takeaway: Finalize a block-ready lesson and a reusable template for your unit.

Course materials and access

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Required texts: No additional text required beyond course resources.

Included access: MyQPortal  access is included for all participants while enrolled in the VLC.

Evidence and impact

Students planned their time and stayed with the work. Conferencing made feedback timely and specific.
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Blocks stopped feeling long. The rotation plan and checkpoints gave every minute a purpose.
Students planned their time and stayed with the work. Conferencing made feedback timely and specific.
Blocks stopped feeling long. The rotation plan and checkpoints gave every minute a purpose.
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Related Resources

Six colorful book covers by Nancy Sulla about classroom instruction and student taking charge

Dr. Nancy Sulla Books

Unlock Educational Success with Dr. Sulla’s Books

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MyQPortal

The Pathway to Student-Driven Learning!

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FAQs

  • HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED

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    Plan for 25 hours total including self-paced work and scheduled sessions.

  • CAN OUR TEAM ENROLL TOGETHER

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    Yes. Seat bundles are available. Price:

    VLC PRICE LINE

  • DO I GET A CERTIFICATE

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    Yes. You will receive a certificate noting contact hours and outcomes.

  • WILL THIS FIT OUR SCHEDULE AND CURRICULUM

    Person typing on a laptop with two succulent plants nearby.

    Yes. You will design templates and lessons matched to your block length, pacing, and standards.

  • DO I NEED SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY

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    No. We will share options and you can use the tools already available in your setting.

Make Every Minute Work

PO accepted. Seat bundles available.