Alternative scheduling allows teachers to develop lessons that are more compatible with learning objectives. Alternative scheduling is also conducive to arranging for work-based learning opportunities and integrating business and community volunteers into the curriculum. The length of the class period, the school day, and the school year can be changed to support academic achievement. This is most easily done in smaller schools. One of the more common alternatives, "block scheduling," provides extended class periods that provide teachers with the time necessary for in-depth lessons and experiential learning. These arrangements permit more time for tutoring and intensive projects, facilitate enrichment, and allow lagging students to catch up and advanced students to delve into topics more deeply. They give schools the ability to set a schedule that best suits their needs.

After exploring various types of alternative scheduling, Southridge High School decided on a trimester schedule.
http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sslc/descriptions/southridge/link9.asp

Granby High School uses an A/B block schedule.
http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sslc/descriptions/granby/link14.asp

Although alternative scheduling is not described in detail in the other school stories, most of the featured schools use some form of this strategy. References to the use of alternative scheduling are found throughout the Schools Making Progress Series.