photo by: Richard Gwin

Second-graders in Paula Barr's Quail Run Elementary class — from left, Richard Li, Matthew Liu, and Cayman Cook — work together on a math assignment, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015.

At its meeting Monday, the Lawrence school board will review a report on the district’s expansion of the blended learning teaching method. The report will include the challenges encountered as more classrooms have adopted the method in recent years.

The blended learning method “blends” lecture-based instruction with small-group or individual activities that often rely on technology and online resources. Throughout the district, about 300 such classrooms are in place.

Blended learning in the district began with an initial field test of eight classrooms in the 2012-13 school year. Following the pilot year, board members and administration came to a general consensus to begin expanding the method even though studies regarding its effectiveness were not widespread.

One of the main district administrators in charge of the blended learning initiative is Angelique Nedved, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. At Monday’s meeting, Nedved will present a report that includes various topics, such as the results of student academic data, the challenges experienced as use of the method has expanded and the results of a district survey regarding the method. The district surveyed staff, students and parents regarding their experience with blending learning.

Currently, most blended classrooms are at the elementary level, but additional classrooms will roll out next school year across all grade levels. Once the new blended classrooms are added, the majority of the more than 700 classrooms in the district will be using blended learning. The method is set to expand to all classrooms in coming years. Proponents of the method say it increases student engagement and maximizes teachers’ time with students.

In other business, the board will:

• Review a report on changes to school zones and school crossings.

• Review a report on the field test of new science standards.

The school board will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the district offices, 110 McDonald Drive.