What is 4 by 4 block scheduling?

Four by Four (4 X 4) block scheduling is a type of academic class structuring where students meet only four classes a day for 90 minute periods for a portion of the school year instead of the more traditional 6-8 periods a day for 40-50 minutes each for the entire school year. It is meant to increase student achievement by extending instructional and learning time for each subject studied. Instructional time is also extended because students are not spending as much time passing from class to class. There are proponents and critics to this type of scheduling in regard to retention over time. Four by Four (4 X 4) block scheduling is a type of academic class structuring where students meet only four classes a day for 90 minute periods for a portion of the school year instead of the more traditional 6-8 periods a day for 40-50 minutes each for the entire school year. It is meant to increase student achievement by extending instructional and learning time for each subject studied. Instructional time is also extended because students are not spending as much time passing from class to class. There are proponents and critics to this type of scheduling in regard to retention over time.