Second in series of 2
The approaching 2006-2007 school year won't bring free afternoons for students or weekly professional development time for teachers. The Blaine County School District and the Blaine County Education Association jointly decided on Friday, May 26, to table the possibility of piloting an early-release program the second half of the 2006-2007 school year.
"I think that the board felt that after listening to the teachers' perspectives and the community, they think (the school redesign proposal) is a fabulous idea, but they need some time to iron out the details," Mary Gervase, Blaine County School District assistant superintendent, said.
The board was scheduled to reconsider the school redesign proposal at the regular June board meeting. Plans to implement the schedule starting in January 2007 were put on hold until more information is obtained.
A press release from the school district and the education association said, "We feel this educational innovation will improve the overall quality of our instructional program as well as student achievement, and is worth the extra time to develop the plan completely before we move the efforts forward."
The school district is considering redesigning the school schedule, to include an early release for all students two days per month. In the fall, a committee of administrators, teachers, parents and community members will convene to address concerns and further develop the plan. The board will likely consider a revised proposal in the spring of 2007. If adopted, the school redesign would be implemented in the 2007-2008 school year.
Gervase said information is needed to clarify what students would do during the early-release block of time. At the time of the proposal, no definite arrangements had been made with community organizations to provide optional programming for students during the two-hour block of time.
During discussions, parents and teachers raised concerns over the lack of specific plans for productive programming, available information and the loss of education time.
The proposal was initiated by the teachers union, the Blaine County Education Association, during the teachers' contract negotiations at the end of the 2005 school year. The association found that members were concerned about the increased workload from the federal No Child Left Behind Act requirements.
"With the advent of No Child Left Behind there is more paperwork required. It does give us a different way of looking at students. Sometimes that different way of looking at students requires more time," Debi Gutknecht, a Hailey Elementary teacher, said.
Under the proposal, teachers would use the early-release time to develop their curriculum, analyze student work, conduct research, plan with teaching teams, hold parent conferences, update databases and conduct meetings.
Educators expressed opposition to the plan as it was presented.
"Whenever you break up the five day week, everything changes...Having the five day week and the consistency is what is best for the kids," Tracy Atwell, a third-grade Hemingway Elementary teacher, said. Atwell has taught for 18 years in the district and has experienced an increase in demands placed on teachers. Although she supports more professional development time, Atwell does not view the regular Wednesday release as the best option for children.
Gervase said the district will address concerns from teachers and parents this fall.
