1. FLEXIBLE LEARNING YEAR
South Central
Minnesota
Consortium

2. MN STATUTE 124D.12 Flexible Learning Year Programs
Sections 124D.12 to 124D.127—Purposes:
Authorize districts to evaluate, plan, and employ the use of flexible learning year program…these alternative must include, but not be limited to, various plans, four-quarter plans, quinmester plans, extended learning year plans, flexible all-year plans, and four-day week plans.
Section 124D.121—Definition:
“Flexible learning year program” means any district plan approved by the commissioner that utilizes buildings and facilities during the entire year or that provides forms of optional scheduling of pupils and personnel during the learning year in elementary and secondary schools or residential facilities for children with a disability.

3. VISION: Restructuring time to maximize learning
GOAL: Create a modified school calendar that makes a difference in improving the academic achievement of ALL students

4. SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA MODEL Focus Areas
Common Calendar:
“Time for Academic Success”
Shared Professional Development Opportunities:
“Training for Academic Success”
Partnerships:
“Connection with Post-Secondary Institutions, Service Cooperatives, and Member Districts to Enable Academic Success”

5. EXPLORATORY TIMELINE Spring/Summer 2010
TASK
RESPONSIBLE
TARGET DATE
Informational meeting with SW Minnesota FLY representatives
Region 2 MASA
6 PM
SCSC
Exploratory meeting:
Brainstorm areas of focus
Set process for gathering input
Determine next steps
2 PM
Second planning meeting
Survey task force shares concept
Survey instrument finalized
9 AM
Share concept and possibilities with district staff and board of education
Receive input via survey
Local Superintendent

6. TIMELINE Continued TASK RESPONSIBLE TARGET DATE Set meetings with:
SCSC
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Gustavus Adolphus College
Bethany Lutheran College
South Central College
Commissioner of Education
Third planning meeting
Set summer retreat date (complete steps #2, #3, and #4) (Establish FLY application timeline) Identify sub-committee for Step #4
Secure district commitment to move ahead
10 AM

7. Deal Breaker if NOT Included Deal Breaker if it IS Included
Common Calendar
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Deal Breaker if NOT Included
Deal Breaker if it IS Included
Common start date in mid-August
Common end date in mid-May
Semester break during Christmas recess
Common professional development days
Modeled to facilitate year-round school concept
Incorporate a mid-year J-Term concept
Maximize instructional time prior to high stakes testing settings
Common number of instructional hours among FLY districts
Opportunities to provide targeted services to identified groups of students—avoid summer learning loss

8. Shared Professional Development Opportunities
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Deal Breaker if NOT Included
Deal Breaker if it IS Included
Targeted teacher professional development
Targeted principal professional development
Incorporate a mid-year J-Term concept
Continuous professional development throughout the year
Probationary teacher induction/mentor component
Use PLC format for FLY professional development
Data-driven, research-based professional development
Sharing professional development funding among a cluster of schools

9. Deal Breaker if NOT Included Deal Breaker if it IS Included
Partnerships
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Deal Breaker if NOT Included
Deal Breaker if it IS Included
University/college partnerships
Sharing on-line learning opportunities
Maximize the use of scarce/declining resources

10. Draft Outline if Commitment is Made to Move Ahead:
TASK
TARGET 1
Commitment and Planning Phase
July 1, 2010 2
Create a Consortium Outline of Plan
October 22, 2010 3
1st Draft of Flexible Learning Year (FLY) Application
November 24, 2010 4
Final FLY Application
December 17, 2010 5
Three Public Hearings
January 21, 2011 6
Final Board Resolution of Commitment
January 28, 2011 7
Submit FLY Application to MDE
February 1, 2011 8
Decision by MDE Commissioner of Education
March 15, 2011 9
Local Board Adoption of FLY Calendar
March 31, 2011 10
Implementation of FLY Plan
School Year