A Timely Matter: Using the Modified Calendar and Intersessions to Improve Student Achievement

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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 Denni
s Abney Executive Director
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Meet Our Team
Mr. David Johnson Board Chair
Mr. Bryan Shealy Board Member
Mrs. Teresa Lumsden Board Vice-Chair
Mr. Kelly Henson Superintendent
Mr. George Bevels Board Member
Dr. Lynn Plunkett Asst. Superintendent
Mr. Mark Hufstetler Board Member
Mr. Dennis Abney Executive Director
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Where are we?
. Chattanooga
Rome
Athens
Atlanta
Augusta
Macon
Columbus
Savannah
Albany
Valdosta
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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)

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Learning in America is a prisoner of timeTime
is learnings warden. National Education
Commission on Time and Learning 1994
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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

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

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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

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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

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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 1st
• End school June 4th

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What changes were made in 2005 - 06?

• 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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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

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What do our Intersessions look like?

• Grades K 8
• Inclusive identification of students tests,
  grades, EIP, etc.
• Full school day 800 AM to 300 PM
• Transportation
• Food Service
• After school care
• Focus on math, reading, test preparation
• Enrichment classes (many off campus)

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What do our Intersessions look like?

• Grades K 8 (cont)
• Offered at all elementary and middle schools
• Pupil teacher ratio of 141
• Impact promotion/retention
• Include non-core academic activities
• Attendance 2nd indicator
• Well attended

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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

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Enrichment Programs

• Middle
• Chess
• Geometric Art
• French
• Team Building/Ropes Course
• CPR
• High
• SAT Prep
• Governors Honors Prep
• Academic Decathlon

• Elementary
• Mathmagic
• Archeology
• Detective
• Computers
• Song Writing
• Environmental Science
• Chemistry/Hands-on Science

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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.

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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 9-12 - zero hour classes, tutorials and
  remediation

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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
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Funding Sources

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

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Funding Summary

• Fall Intersession (3 days)
• 70,200
• 1768 enrollment

• Winter Intersession (5 days)
• 163,000
• 2601 enrollment

• Spring Intersession (5 days)
• 188,262
• 2892 enrollment

• Summer Session (10 days)
• 106,379
• 578 enrollment

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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
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Floyd CountysModified Calendar

• Began planning/consideration 18-24 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

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Quality Education for Quality Life