KISD plans to also explore the length of the school day while discussing the District of Innovation, or DOI planning. Under the plan, the district will be allowed flexibility over the end and start times of the school day and opportunities for increased professional development and collaboration, as long as certain guidelines are followed regarding the amount of shortened school days per year and the minimum/maximum length for the school day.
“Under the current law, we discussed that the districts in the state have the ability to pretty much go however long they feel is best for their kids,” said General Counsel Amanda Bigbee, facilitator of the DOI process.
The main factors that led into the creation of this section in the program came from having to consider all that happens throughout the typical school day: planning periods, passing periods, lunch periods, teaching conferences and so forth. Thus far, the plan looks as though it will not be impact students with late arrival or early dismissal and will allow students more flexibility within this option, according to DOI facilitators. However, tweaking the length of the school day poses as a difficulty as well, such as the possibility of limiting the number of shortened school days, (half days), to only two and taking into consideration transportation and daycare scheduling.
“When you look at the different structures, one of the things teachers talk about is time on task with kids and how there isn’t enough time,” said Chief of Schools Cecil McDaniel. “But every time we stretch out the school day or extend it, it impacts another [grade] level.”
This decision would also impact Pre-K and younger grade levels as well, with the newly addition of a reduced number of minutes for Early Learning Center students without the need for a TEA Waiver, also known as a Texas Education Agency Waiver.
“Some of this has to do with elementary and particularly Pre-K programs, half-day programs, [and] waivers for times that we have to consider for Pre-K programs,” said Bigbee. “[With the changes] exempting ourselves from [TEA waivers in particular], that would do some specific things without having to request waivers from the state.”
Although no decisions have been finalized concerning this part of the project, it will offer individualized plans for certain students with life circumstances (such as full-time work, unplanned pregnancy, etc.) that render them unable to attend traditional high school, ensuring that they are able to receive adequate education. Allowing for more independence and creativity around the campus as well as opportunities for teacher professional development, the changes would allow flexibility for alternative high school students. It will offer individualized plans for certain students with life circumstances (such as full-time work, unplanned pregnancy, etc.) that render them unable to attend traditional high school, ensuring that they are able to receive adequate education.
“It’s a challenging situation but from my standpoint, we would always be looking at how to maximize the school day for students and staff to make sure that you all get everything that you need,” said McDaniel. “If we can stretch [the school day] out a little longer [or make these changes], we can do more for [students] and our teachers.”