Tuesday, February 24, 2015

CMS to try out early-release days next year

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will try out four early-release days next year as a way to give teachers more time to develop their skills.

The school board approved the tweak to next year's calendar at the same as they allowed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to become a holiday.

Other districts, including Wake County, have incorporated early-release days into their calendars for years.

The scheduling is still being worked out, but most schools would let out about two hours early. There will be one per quarter. Next year's early release dates will be Oct. 7, Jan. 20, March 1 and April 20.

Superintendent Ann Clark said the time would be used for professional development for teachers.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would rather have a comprehensive healthcare benefits package.

CMS

Why dont you "try Out" the vision and dental benefits again.

T. Ruth said...

As a teacher I'm sure you know your a state employee, as such your benefits are provided by the state, your grievances are with the state not CMS, please "try out" advocacy at the state level with these concerns.

Anonymous said...

More PD?!?! Really. Stop impacting our preparation and collaboration time with poorly designed (most of the time) PD sessions.

T. Ruth said...

This plan was voted on by School Leadership Teams (SLT) which are comprised of parents and teacher leaders. The plan now is to have school based professional development (PD) selected by school leaders at each school. Perhaps you should discuss your ideas about collaboration and preparation with your school site administrative team.

Susan Plaza said...

I serve on SLT at my children's elementary school. We have never discussed early release though I think it is a step in the right direction. Ann is trying to appease elementary teachers who have lost 45 minutes of planning daily. 8 hours a year is a drop in the bucket.

Shamus said...

How about changing the high school bell schedule for physical, emotional and academic benefit of all high school students.

Anonymous said...

Dear Susan,

I also serve on the SLT and we had to vote on this last month and povde our opinions and feedback. You may want to follow up with your school principal as I have friends on other local schools SLT and they did as well.

Wiley Coyote said...

Sounds like letting teachers out of prison early for good behavior.