After getting feedback from more than 10,000 stakeholders, including teachers and campus leaders, and engaging in multiple virtual community meetings, Dallas ISD is proposing three calendar models that would provide more learning time for the students that need it most.
District leaders discussed the proposed calendars with trustees during the Jan. 14 briefing.
Dallas ISD started exploring the possibility of potentially adding learning time for certain students after data showed the devastating impact the pandemic could have on students. More than 10,000 parents, teachers and community members responded to a survey asking for input, and numerous virtual forums solicited input from campus staff, district leaders and community stakeholders.
“What we heard during our extensive stakeholder feedback process was that a ‘one-sized-fits-all’ approach wouldn’t best serve our students,” Deputy Chief of Academics Derek Little said. “What we are proposing is providing additional resources and additional engaging learning opportunities for the schools and students who are the most interested and stand to benefit the most.”
The proposed base calendar–which would be similar to any other school year–would apply to the majority of schools.
Intersession calendar
Following the public engagement process, schools in 11 feeder patterns were prioritized for an intercession calendar, based on equity and need. Under an intersession calendar, the school year would start earlier and end later to allow for more learning and enrichment for certain students on the additional days.
Based on the need to fully understand implications of the calendar proposals as they apply to specific learning loss strategies for high school students, Dallas ISD is pursuing only elementary and middle schools for the first year of intersession.
Further staff and community engagement would inform the final selection of the feeder patterns in February.
The district would provide up to a $90 million investment over two years to support the intersession calendar.
School Day Redesign
Meanwhile, principals and teachers at nine schools showed initial support for a School Day Redesign. Under this calendar, the school would have an earlier start and later end date, with a total of 23 additional days for all students and teachers at participating schools. Further staff and community engagement would inform the final selection of the campuses in February.
The initial schools that showed support for the School Day Redesign are:
- John Q. Adams Elementary School
- Tom C. Gooch Elementary School
- H.I. Holland Elementary School
- Maple Lawn Elementary School
- Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School
- Edna Rowe Elementary School
- Thomas J. Rusk Middle School
- Boude Storey Middle School
- Daniel Webster Elementary School
The district would provide up to a $10 million investment over two years to support the school day redesign calendar.
Looking forward
After discussing the three proposed calendars during the Jan. 14 briefing, trustees will consider the adoption of the three calendars during their Jan. 29 meeting. For more information, visit www.dallasisd.org/timetolearn.
Go here to see the PowerPoint of the presentation trustees will hear during the Jan. 14 briefing.
