You may have heard that a group of southwest Minnesota school districts were approved to implement a Flexible Learning Year (FLY) calendar for the next three school years. There are many elements to the FLY, such as cooperating on staff development and aligning K-12 and higher education calendars.
However, the most featured part of the plan is that the school year in those districts will begin in mid-August. State law requires K-12 schools to begin after Labor Day, unless special permission is granted by the Commissioner of Education. Southwest school districts were successful in convincing state officials that school days in August can make a bigger difference in student learning than days in late May and June (long after high-stakes testing is completed).
Southwest's plan has gotten the attention of school districts across the state, including here in Saint Peter. Now, a group of south central school districts have begun to explore the possiblity of making a FLY application. The key word is "explore". It is a long and complex process, and local school districts have many factors to consider. So what do you think about a mid-August to mid-May school calendar? Share your views!
I have been a supporter of this for years. I believe our current schedule is a result of the farmers who needed the kids to help with field work during the summer months. Times have certainly changed for the ag industry.
I have often thought it would be a good idea to divide the school calendar into four quarters over the whole year. Longer breaks would be in mid-summer and mid-winter (four week breaks for family vacations and holidays). Shorter breaks (two week breaks for ending one quarter and preping for the next) would be in the fall and spring. These breaks would also total three months.
There are drawbacks, especially when we look at higher education. Students in Post Secondary Education classes would still have to juggle their calendars. Teachers may have trouble enrolling in summer sessions for continuing education; but as it is now, they can only take classes during one summer session.
On the plus side, retailers and working students would both benefit from a longer break during Christmas. Custodians would have more options for repairs and maintenance. Heating costs would be cut with the savings used to install air conditioning where it's needed.
Sports could be played year round to help with scheduling. Soccer, baseball, golf and track would be played over the summer. Then more students could participate in music, drama, etc.
Education in the U.S. MUST look at new ways to get better results. Every other industry is trying to change with the global demand. We've all seen the ruinous results from doing things as they've always been done. I'm glad we are looking around for a new way to help schools and families reach the common goal of education children.
Posted by: The Times They Are A Changin' | May 09, 2010 at 01:53 PM