Reply to State set to keep MS math minutes requirement that will likely cut electives (but delaying it a year)

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Reply to "State set to keep MS math minutes requirement that will likely cut electives (but delaying it a year)"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]To provide 60 minutes of daily math without cutting electives, Maryland middle schools can utilize scheduling adjustments like modular block scheduling, hybrid A/B schedules, or integrated cross-curricular teaching. These methods carve out the required instruction time without forcing schools to drop exploratory or elective courses.

Modular / Flexible Block Scheduling: Instead of traditional 45-minute periods, schools use block scheduling to create larger instructional blocks (e.g., 90-minute blocks that rotate). This allows math to receive the required 60 minutes while still providing room for electives throughout the week.

A/B or Hybrid Schedules: This alternates class schedules over a two-week period. Schools can schedule math every day for 60 minutes, and rotate electives on an A-day/B-day basis, allowing students to take more electives overall.

Cross-Curricular Integration: Schools embed math standards into elective or encore subjects (such as STEM, tech education, or art). This reinforces mathematical concepts through project-based learning and frees up dedicated periods in the master schedule.

Flexible Intervention Periods: Instead of pulling students out of electives for math remediation, schools build a dedicated "intervention/advisory block" into the daily schedule. Math support and enrichment can happen during this time without encroaching on elective periods.[/quote]

An A/B schedule won’t work because the mandate is for 60 minutes DAILY. This means the MSMC schools already on A/B schedule will have to change[/quote]

For MS, it’s 300 mins/week. That said I am hearing they are looking to do 60 mins daily and not just for math. [/quote]

Where did you hear this?[/quote]

The math policy states:

[quote]Beginning SY 2027-2028, LEAs shall adhere to a minimum daily requirement of 60 cumulative instructional minutes[b] or the equivalent of 300 weekly minutes [/b]for all math courses in kindergarten through grade 8. Exemplar schedule models aligned to MTSS will be provided in guidance.[/quote]

It doesn't look like there are different rules for ES and MS. For K-8 there is the requirement for 60 [b]cumulative[/b] minutes or [b]the equivalent of 300 weekly minutes.[/b]

As written the policy clearly seems to allow block scheduling as well as any math instruction that adds up to the required number of minutes regardless of whether it is in the same class or not. Though, I imagine the teacher must be licensed in math?[/quote]

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