Wednesday, November 17, 2010

2011-2012 Proposed Academic Calendar Input

We are asking your thoughts about the 2011-12 C-FB ISD proposed Academic Calendar. Designing an academic calendar for a school district is a complex issue; however, in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, we want to keep student achievement in the forefront when making decisions.

The proposed academic calendar is very similar to this year’s calendar in terms of the following:

· The same basic holiday schedule including Thanksgiving and Winter Break

· Ending 1st semester before the Winter Break

Below is some information that you may need to know before you review the calendar about some parameters that the district faces when setting an academic calendar.

Exactly what did the Texas Legislature change regarding the start of the school year?
The Legislature changed Texas Education Code 25.0811 to read that public school districts cannot begin school before the fourth Monday in August. The only exception is if the district or school operates a year-round system under Section 25.084. This change started with the 2007-08 school year.

How many days must children attend school?
Texas currently requires that the public school year contain 180 days for students; however, districts may obtain waivers for up to five fewer student attendance days for professional development purposes.

The 2011-12 school calendar proposal includes 177 days for students, and the district will ask for a waiver for three student days for professional development time for staff. These days are Oct. 10, Nov. 21, 22.

What about early release days?
Under the expedited waiver system, a school district may apply for six early release days. These days are allowable through Texas Education Code 25.082. The current calendar proposal has four early release days already scheduled (two days at the end of each semester). The district is recommending to the District Improvement Council that that all six be approved and that the additional two days be used as staff development early release days as in the 2010-2011 calendar; however, the specific days will be determined later.

To review the 2011-2012 C-FB ISD Proposed Academic Calendar, click on this link: http://www.cfbisd.edu/pcal

To take the survey, click on this link: http://www.cfbisd.edu/calsurvey

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