The Canyons Board of Education is weighing a proposal to revise the elementary school schedule next school year to provide teachers with the tools they need to help ensure success for every student.
The proposal comes from an Elementary Schedule Task Force that included teachers from all 29 CSD schools. The Task Force met four times in December and January to gather information, problem-solve, and collaborate to develop a schedule that fully supports elementary school communities throughout the District and ensures our youngest students are on track to becoming college- and career-ready. The task force took input from their colleagues at each school as well.
The option recommended by the Task Force would free up teachers during the day for collaboration time, which helps teachers work together to ensure each student succeeds. It also would restore early-out Fridays. The proposal calls for trained specialists to provide curriculum-based instruction in such areas as physical education, arts and music while teachers meet to plan and collaborate. The option would cost an estimated $865,000. The proposal also provides each school with flexibility in how to best schedule collaboration time.
The Task Force presented proposals to the Board of Education in a special Jan. 28 public Study Session. There, the Task Force recommended the Board adopt the schedule contained in Option 2, which his supported by 87 percent of elementary teachers to best meet needs of students and teachers. The Board continued its discussions in its Feb. 3, 2015 Board Meeting. The Board will discuss the proposal in two more readings before taking action. The next scheduled discussion is Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015 in the 7:30 p.m. Business Meeting. The public is invited to attend.
The proposed schedule would refine efforts put in place this school year to improve education for students. The 2014-2015 elementary school schedule was adjusted as part of the 2014-2015 teachers contract approved by the Canyons Education Association and ratified by the Canyons Board of Education. The schedule eliminated early-out Fridays to improve teacher planning and instruction, but it had unintended consequences for parents and teachers. The Task Force’s recommendations aim to address issues that have arisen with the schedule.
The proposed schedule and Task Force documents can be found on BoardDocs by clicking on the “Meetings” tab, then “2015,” and the Jan. 28, 2015 Agenda.
Questions or comments on the Task Force’s recommendation? E-mail your Board Member or communications@canyonsdistrict.org.
