1 A Timely Matter: Using the Modified Calendar and Intersessions to Improve Student Achievement David Johnson Board Chairman Teresa Lumsden Vice-Chair George Bevels Mark Hufstetler Bryan Shealy Kelly Henson Superintendent Lynn Plunkett Asst. Superintendent Dennis Abney Executive Director

2 Meet Our Team Mr. George Bevels Board Member Mrs. Teresa Lumsden Board Vice-Chair Mr. David Johnson Board Chair Mr. Mark Hufstetler Board Member Mr. Bryan Shealy Board Member Mr. Kelly Henson Superintendent Dr. Lynn Plunkett Asst. Superintendent Mr. Dennis Abney Executive Director

3 Where are we? Atlanta Rome Macon Valdosta Albany Columbus Athens Savannah Augusta. Chattanooga

4 Who Are We? K-12 County School System located in northwest Georgia Student population-10,650; County population 100,000; 1,506 employees (900 certified) 50% free and reduced lunch rate 21 schools (4 primary schools, 7 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, 1 technical high school, 1 alternative school) County also has a city school system, private schools (parochial and non-parochial)

5 “Learning in America is a prisoner of time…Time is learning’s warden.” National Education Commission on Time and Learning 1994

6 Why Did We Consider a Modified Calendar? Performance requirements have changed Accountability measures/sanctions have changed – promotion/retention, choice, restructuring, reconstitution of staff, control and management of school/system

7 Why Did We Consider a Modified Calendar? To improve student achievement!

8 How did we study and implement the change to a modified calendar? Modified calendar task force – 20 members –1. Research –2. Community input –3. Visitations –4. Discussions –5. Recommendation to superintendent (18-1-1) Surveys of parents, students, and employees

9 How did we study and implement the change to a modified calendar? Four community forums –1. Presentation of information –2. View sample calendars –3. Discuss advantages and disadvantages –4. Questions and answers –5. Surveys Met with Parks & Recreation, YMCA, Boys Clubs, colleges and universities, and day care providers

10 How did we study and implement the change to a modified calendar? Revised calendar proposal based on community input Recommendation to the BOE Approval by the BOE

11 What do our modified calendars look like? 2003 – 04 Calendar –180 Student Days 13 Intersession days 1 week fall break 3 week winter break 2 week spring break Begin school August 1 st End school June 4 th

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13 What changes were made in ? 2005 – 06 Calendar Based on suggestions from surveys and focus groups, the following changes will be made: –2 ½ week winter break –Split spring break/spring Intersession –End in May prior to Memorial Day

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15 Intersession Programs Elementary/Middle Math and Reading Remediation Test preparation Enrichment Music/Art/PE High School Gateway Courses- Algebra I, Physical Science, Ninth Grade English Enrichment SAT Prep

16 What do our Intersessions look like? Grades K – 8 –Inclusive identification of students – tests, grades, EIP, etc. –Full school day – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM –Transportation –Food Service –After school care –Focus on math, reading, test preparation –Enrichment classes (many off campus)

17 What do our Intersessions look like? Grades K – 8 (con’t) –Offered at all elementary and middle schools –Pupil teacher ratio of 14:1 –Impact promotion/retention –Include non-core academic activities –Attendance – 2 nd indicator –Well attended

18 What do our Intersessions look like? Grades 9-12 –Generally two hour blocks –Identification of students – tests, grades –Transportation –Food Service –Focus on “gateway courses” –Offered at all high schools –Cambridge SAT prep –Enrichment classes

19 Enrichment Programs Elementary Mathmagic Archeology Detective Computers Song Writing Environmental Science Chemistry/Hands-on Science Middle Chess Geometric Art French Team Building/Ropes Course CPR High SAT Prep Governor’s Honors Prep Academic Decathlon

20 Summer Program Full day, 2-3 week summer program in central locations for grades K-8 –Breakfast and lunch program –After school care program Half day, 2-3 week program for grades 9-12 remediation and retesting of the Georgia High School Graduation Test.

21 Additional Extended Learning Opportunities Saturday Programs –Serves parents and students –Focuses on reading and math remediation After School/ Before School –Grades K-8 - tutorials and remediation –Grades zero hour classes, tutorials and remediation

22 Survey Data Survey data were obtained through random sampling of parents, students, and Floyd County Schools employees Approval Rates Modified Calendar: Teachers – 92% Parents – 88% Students – 81%

23 Funding Sources State Instructional Extension Funds Title I Supplementary Service Funds 4-8 After School Grant 21 st Century School Grant Title V Title II General fund budget

24 Funding Summary Fall Intersession (3 days) $70, enrollment Winter Intersession (5 days) $163, enrollment Spring Intersession (5 days) $188, enrollment Summer Session (10 days) $106, enrollment

25 Using a Modified Calendar in Floyd County Improved student achievement in the elementary, middle, and high schools based on classroom performance and district testing Examples: *SAT – 27 point gain from 2003 to 2005 *AYP – System met all 100 indicators *Significant gains on elementary, middle, and high school high stakes accountability tests

26 Floyd County’s Modified Calendar Began planning/consideration months in advance Obtained approval 8-12 months in advance Use of Intersession is critically important BOE and community involvement from the outset Willingness to evaluate and adjust

27 Quality Education for Quality Life