Case
160 day calendar

A school has decided to go to a 160 day calendar. Some teachers feel that this time limit will hinder some students with their progress in school. Other teachers have expressed how much they have enjoyed having a longer summer and shorter school year. The system has chased power standards to be taught at each grade level. Should the teachers who disagree with this decision express how they feel now, or should they wait to see how students perform on state assessments?

Posted on: 10/18/14 | Views: 1006
Solution #1
I believe that the teachers should feel safe to express their opinions, but go into the year with positive expectations. If they go into the school year disgruntled it will effect how the students respond to the new schedule and the new standards. I would also like to know if the school day will be longer or if it will stay the same. That will also effect how much can get done in a "regular" school day. Teachers will also want to know how much planning time they will be given to account for the shorter school year. All of their concerns are valid and as long as all stakeholders reflect at the end of the school year everyone can move forward in a positive.

I agree that it is important to be honest and express any concerns that you may have. If the situation does not go the way you would have liked I feel it is important to remain positive and make the best out of the situation.

Yes, we as educators have the right to our own opinion and should be able to express it. However, sometimes things go unfairly and we may not agree, but it is true we must stay positive and keep on going.

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Solution #2
The individual county should offer a parent, student, and teacher survey to the school system stakeholders. At least three calendar options would be made available to choose from. The survey could also include questions related to family vacation date preferences and feedback regarding the positives and negatives of a more balanced school calendar. This survey format could allow teachers specifically to share their insight and possible concerns on the shorter school year consideration.
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Solution #3
I'm sure a change of this nature will always spark debate. However, it is important.for teachers to feel as though they can express their opinion about matters that occur within the school. When voicing your opinion, I would definitely have some research or data to support the point of view. Although, I do not think the school or school system will change its plan mid year, it could help change future decisions. Also, teachers can still address other standards while teaching the power standards. This can be done through project based learning where the students complete projects that cover a myriad of topics that the students can master at once.
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Solution #4
I feel that they should see how students are going to perform before making complaints about the academic calendar.
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Solution #5
Unfortunately, teachers concerns are not always taken into consideration or addressed even when spoken. Of course, they should state their concerns, but everything we do is based on data. In order to support their opinions, they will need to show data about the effect on students. It may not be possible to do this until after the results of the state assessments have been received.
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