Modular scheduling was developed by schools such as the Kent State University School in the 1960s. About 15% of American high schools implemented it in the 1960s, but since the 1970s, the practice has waned in popularity as schools have implemented block scheduling instead.
Characteristics
Each module, or "mod", is either a 20 or 40-minute period used for classes or independent study time. This allows freedom in scheduling as classes can be 40, 60, or 80 minutes long, as needed for one-to one, small group, large group, and laboratory instruction. Classes are taught in a similar format to many universities; students meet a large group lecture once per week and have small group recitations throughout the week. An average student has at least one or two full open mods per day, that can be used for studying, interacting with teachers, eating lunch, or socializing. Since modular scheduling leaves students with a relatively large amount of unstructured time outside of classes, some schools also adopt open campus policies. At Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska, which has used a modular schedule since 1967, juniors and seniors who have met specific requirements are eligible to apply for a pass that allows them to leave the building during open mods. When Covington Catholic High School implemented a modular schedule in 1968, it also extended off-campus privileges to all students, encouraging them to visit community institutions such as libraries. However, the policy proved controversial; after a change in management, the school limited off-campus privileges to seniors in good standing.
Specific implementations
Ursuline modular schedule
During the 1970s, Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati switched to a modular schedule. This consists of 6 days each with 18 modules. Each mod is 20 min, with a 3 min passing time between each one added in 2004. Classes range from 2-4 modules long. Students say that the schedule works very well in helping them with time management and responsibility. Each also has a certain number of free mods each day to eat, study, do homework, work in the library, or socialize. As the choice of classes becomes more open to each student, free mods become more abundant. A typical student would have between 21 and 40 free mods a cycle, depending on the number of classes taken. Different schedule days are set up so that mods can be shortened, but are never skipped.
At the Incarnate WordHigh SchoolSan Antonio, Texas classes run on a modular schedule. Each day is broken down into 17 time-periods called "mods." Mods are 20 minutes long, except the lunch mods, which are 26 minutes. The schedule is on a two-week cycle. There are no bells between mods, and students are responsible for arriving to classes on time. Students and faculty also have mods without classes, called open labs, which are to be used as "study" periods. This schedule encourages personal responsibility and aids in preparation for a college schedule.
