How does this new schedule support my child's learning?
The revised schedule is designed to:
- Increase focused instructional time for core areas like reading and math.
- Provide more targeted teacher-led interventions to address individual learning needs.
- Implement the Minnesota READ Act to support literacy growth through enhanced reading practices.
- Reduce the number of staff elementary students interact with daily, fostering stronger relationships, more personalized instruction, and smoother transitions between activities.
- Build a positive school environment through dedicated SEL and community-building time.
Will students have enough time for science, social studies, and music?
Yes! Science and social studies will follow an alternating A/B schedule, and students in the music program will still have access to high-quality instructors and lessons, ensuring students have consistent access to these essential subjects.
Has the idea of making these changes only for fifth graders in the 2025-2026 school year been considered? Would it even work, given the overlap with 6th graders?
Yes, this was considered. However, the tipping point lies in our understanding that the current 50-minute reading block is insufficient. Adjustments to the schedule are needed to allow for at least 90 minutes of reading instruction. Additionally, we recognize that increasing math instruction to 75 minutes is essential. Limiting these changes to only fifth graders would not provide the comprehensive improvements needed to support student learning effectively.
