Criteria for Social Justice and Academic Excellence

1. Restructuring the School Year for Equity, Wellness, and Achievement : What Does the Research Show?Dr. Carolyn M. Shields, UBCcarolyn.shields@ubc.ca604 822-5359

2. Criteria for Social Justice and Academic Excellence • Just (equity of access, sustainability, outputs, outcomes) • Democratic (participatory, inclusive) • Empathic (caring, respectful) • Optimistic (the “beyond” – widening life’s chances and choices)

3. Research FocusEvidence Essential for Decision Making • Effect of YRS (misnomer) on 2 million North American students • Alternative, Modified, Balanced Calendars • 100s of interviews Mostly • 1000s of surveys US • Canada: 2 schools BC 8 schools ON 35 AB

4. Single-Track Calendar(Kanaka Creek, Maple Ridge)

5. Another Single-Track Calendar(45-15)

6. Multi-Track Calendar

7. Benefits to Students • Regular Rhythm for Learning • Summer Learning Loss • Intersession

8. Davis District, Utah 57,000 students – 30,000 elementary school 36% in 12 MT-YRS rest in 34 traditional Predicted Range of Achievement (PRA) 6 yrs of standardized test data (5th gr): Traditional: 21% below PRA MT: 4% below PRA Follow-up interviews & surveys: 8 schools Some Insights…

9. Regular Rhythm for Learning • Wellness – less burn-out, better motivation • Academic – less review time more conversation about teaching and learning planning in blocks for instruction • Safety – less vandalism, reduction of tensions, fewer suspensions & disciplinary incidents • Equity – opportunity for intersession

10. Ontario Preferences

11. Choice

12. EQAO – Preliminary (7 schools; 1 yr)

13. EQAO – Preliminary (3rd grade - reading)

14. EQAO – Preliminary (3rd grade - math)

15. 7 1996-1997 System 6.5 1997-1998 6 Modified 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 5.9 5.8 Over 2 years – 205 fewer substitute days = $25,625 in savings 2.5 5 2 3.9 1.5 1 0.5 0 Calgary Teacher Attendance(First two years – only 8 schools)

16. Benefits to Students • Regular Rhythm for Learning • Summer Learning Loss • Intersession

17. Summer Learning Loss Advantaged Kids Gain… School year: 13 months Summer: GAIN 3 – 4 months Net Gain: 16-17 months Disadvantaged Kids Gain… School Year: 12 months Summer: LOSE 3 – 4 months Net Gain: 8 – 9 months

18. Benefits to Students • Regular Rhythm for Learning • Summer Learning Loss • Intersession

19. Intersession • Enrichment (field trips, etc.) – few Canadian schools • Remediation – no Canadian Schools BUT many US schools: eg., Arizona, Washington, Florida • Acceleration – no Canadian Schools again US data Increased achievement, grad credits, lower drop-outs

20. From “D” to “A” in one Year

21. Research Shows that Balanced Calendars Can… • Promote equity by decreasing the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students… • Improve • Wellness • Safety • Graduation Rates • Achievement for all.

22. IF • We have a clear focus on what we hope to achieve. • We choose an innovation proven to support the desired goal. • We provide adequate support for the change process.