Changes in the physical environment have been discussed and Fullan would suggest that a simple structural change will not change the culture, but I think when you consider resources, there is not one more critical than time.
We need to shift our paradigm on the use of time in our schools. We still operate on the period model at the secondary level and "chunk out time" We might not give equal time to each subject, but we are not nearly flexible enough in our distribution.
Does each class need the same amount of time? Does each student?
I remember back in the "good ole" flex mod days. Classes met for varied amounts of time, with large groups and small groups used for instruction. Students were in classes for a limited amount of time with resource labs available for those students needing additional time on a subject, while other students can spend the same time either workign on another class or possibly taking another class. Students were given flexibility as to how to structure their day.
We tended to move away from this model as we found it very difficult to schedule and we did not like the fact that some students were not responsible in making good use of their time. With the new scheduling software and student management systems which would make monitoring student whereabouts much easier, I think this is a model we might want to consider again. Time is a resource that must be carefully allocated to ensure all students are getting what they need in the limited time avaialable.
