Why did we change? Our focus has always been on “What is best for kids” Missouri School Board Association Regional Meeting on November 2014 A 4 day calendar had been discussed before Interest in potential positive impact on instruction

Decision Making Process Why aren’t we looking at this? Determined what current research says Determined Missouri specific experiences Surveyed staff to determine interest Surveyed parents for their perceptions Looked at options and solutions Visited other districts already implementing Heard from the community and answered questions-2 town hall forums

Key Findings from Research Higher quality school days-more focused instruction Increased attendance for students and staff Increased student achievement Increased graduation rates Teacher recruitment and retention Fewer discipline problems Better student attitudes toward school

Initial Parent Surveys 54.52% of parents reported a 4-day schedule would increase attendance 90.25% of parents indicated their child would have enough food for the weekend 77.84% reported they would be able to find adequate childcare 29.19% of parents indicated they were concerned about the length of the day

Parent Surveys 83.65% indicated a belief that teachers needed time to collaborate and plan high quality instruction 59.84% indicated a concerns that homework would increase 39.89% indicated concerns that juvenile delinquency might increase

What does our 4-Day Week Look Like? Monday will be the day off Early release Wednesday will be eliminated Times will be adjusted to 7:50 am to 3:25 pm 18-19 start date was August 14th 18-19 end date wi May 17th Calendar will include 152 days and 1083.88 (14-15 calendar was 174 days & 1067.4 hours) Calendar will include 1-partial days (14-15 calendar included 38 partial days) Teachers have an additional 18 work days

Teachers are now spending an increased amount of time deciphering standards and planning meaningful learning activities to maximize success. Example Professional Development Activities: Collaboration time between grade levels, content areas, and buildings. Curriculum Development and Alignment to the MO Learning Standards Building assessments Lesson planning Data Dissemination Teacher meetings Guest speakers Additional time to give student feedback and plan differentiated activities

Instructional Impact Continue to implement the best teaching practices. Teachers have already begun to focus and prioritize their curriculum and teach for mastery. This allows for a deeper understanding of the content. Longer blocks of instructional time for students to practice and master skills. Additional time will also allow for more interactive and cooperative learning. Teachers will incorporate more brain breaks and movement into their daily activities.

Instructional Benefits Longer learning blocks More focus Less discipline Just as much curriculum covered as with 5 days Teachers are more prepared Increased collaboration time Increased professional development time/saves $ Hiring pool has increased Increased student attendance at high school Increased teacher attendance/few subs saves $

What would we have done differently? Asked for a multi-year commitment from the Board before implementing. Added professional development days without calling it a “4-day” week.

Contact – 417-276-5143 Dr. Shannon Snow- ssnow@stockton.k12.mo.us Mr. Mike Postlewait – H.S. Principal – mpostlewait@stockton.k12.mo.us Mr. Robert Bolte – M.S. Principal- rbolte@stockton.k12.mo.us Dr. Doug Crawford – Elem. Principal – dcrawford@stockton.k12.mo.us Ms. Miller – Curriculum Director – smiller@stockton.k12.mo.us