As students are struggling with learning loss, stress and overwhelm, many schools are adding a flex time to their schedule to provide extra support to students. This is a dedicated time slot built into the school day for students to focus on their individual needs, which vary by the student and by the day. Students could spend that time getting extra help from a teacher, meeting for a group project, studying, getting physical activity or experiencing a new extracurricular activity.
But how do schools find time during their week to add a flex time? Schools get resourceful with their schedules to carve out space for flex periods. Here’s a peek behind the curtain:
The Minute Shuffle: This is a popular strategy. Schools can shave off a few minutes from each class period, for example 5 minutes from a 50-minute class. These minutes accumulate to create a dedicated flex period, typically lasting 20-45 minutes. It might not seem like much at first, but those accumulated minutes can make a big difference for students.
Lunchtime Remix: Some schools get creative with the lunch break. They create a longer lunch period with a built-in flex time. Students can choose to eat during a designated portion and then use the remaining time for flex activities, or vice versa. This might involve splitting the lunch period into two groups. This model offers students more choice in how they spend their time.
Adding a New Block: If the school day allows, some schools extend the day by adding a whole new period specifically for flex. This is less common because it lengthens the school day, but it can be a great option if there’s a strong need for a longer flex period. This extended flex time allows for in-depth projects, personalized instruction, or even club meetings. Some schools will schedule this at the end of the day and make it optional, though that will decrease participation.
Restructuring the Schedule: Schools might also look to repurpose existing time slots. For instance, they could convert an advisory period (where students meet with a specific advisor) into a flex period. A school might keep their advisory as scheduled once a week and use that for planning time, and repurpose the other four days of advisory for flex time.
Trim Passing Time: Schools will take a few minutes off of the passing time between each class and repurpose that time as a flex time. Every minute counts, and these small adjustments can create valuable flex time.
While some schools will offer flex daily, others will offer it a few times a week. Figuring out the schedule includes finding the time, determining duration and frequency, and establishing the relationship between the schedules. Our guide, Scheduling Your Flex Block, offers guidance on how to make those decisions.
When a school implements a flex periods, they give students an opportunity to have some breathing room while at school. They empower students to take ownership of their learning, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility. Ultimately, flex periods represent a commitment to student success, creating a more well-rounded and enriching educational experience.