Innovative School Schedules: Recommendations to Enhance Student Achievement Final Report, July 2017Innovative School Schedule Draft Recommendations
Overview:
Nationally, the traditional school calendar consists of 180 days and approximately 720-1080 instructional hours. Momentum is growing to move beyond the traditional calendar to increase learning time. Several school systems across the nation have begun lengthening the school day, week, or year to improve student learning in low-performing schools.
Education Article §7-103.1 directs the Maryland State Board of Education to, “….explore the use of innovative school scheduling models, including extended year, year-round schooling, or other school scheduling models that do not allow for prolonged lapses in instructional time, in low-performing or at-risk public schools. The State Board shall encourage county boards to use the school scheduling models that are determined to be most effective in enhancing student achievement in low-performing or at-risk public schools.”
On October 25, 2016, State Board of Education members requested that the Maryland State Department of Education undertake a study that will be used to inform State Board members on innovative school scheduling models. As a result, an Innovative School Schedule Workgroup was formed to develop recommendations for the State Board of Education.
Contact Information
Tiara Booker-Dwyer
Director for the Office of Leadership Development and School Improvement
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Email:
tiara.booker-dwyer@maryland.gov