To participate in this discussion activity, view "Case Study: Alternative Calendar Policy Issues.

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As you saw and heard in the video, angry parents came to express surprise and opposition to the
idea oI switching to a year-round school calendar. John Anderson, the superintendent in this case
study, must address the issues aired by the parents and teacher. Prepare a post that includes the
Iollowing:
O Analyze the ideologies and values oI the board meeting participants.
O Imagine that you are John Anderson, write a memo to the school board members
outlining your thoughts on how to move the proposal Iorward yet eIIectively address the
issues aired by the parents and teachers. IdentiIy the areas or actions that you would do
diIIerently.
Case Study Analysis
Board members proposed a schedule change based on research that indicates student
achievement would improve. The superintendent presented background inIormation on the
reason that many schools Iollow the current schedule. Reducing the number oI consecutive days
that students are out oI school is likely to assist learners with retaining inIormation.
Three parents and a teacher presented their reactions to the alternative schedule. Emily was
concerned about Iinding childcare during multiple two-week intervals. Sharon, a teacher,
explained that educators use summer vacations to continue their education and plan Ior the next
year. Jose recently moved his Iamily to the area and stated that the proposed schedule should be
optional. Tyrese was disappointed about the possibility oI the new schedule disrupting athletic
programs. Some students stay in school to play sports or plan to receive an athletic scholarship
to attend college. Both parents and the educator would have preIerred the option to provide
input beIore the board was ready to vote on the proposal.
Memo
To: District School Board Members
From: Superintendent John Anderson
Date: 1-26-11
Student achievement is a top priority in our district. Our goal is to develop a system that
provides school staII and students with the optimum conditions Ior teaching and learning. The
current school calendar that our district Iollows originated Irom the need to accommodate
Iarming cycles. Upon researching several comparable school districts, data indicates that an
alternative schedule would improve student perIormance. Some parents and educators have
concerns about changing the current calendar.
Parents and teachers are not sure about meeting childcare needs during school breaks. The
district can address this issue by contacting community resources and securing grants to provide
camps or other programs at little or no cost to parents. Teachers must have time and resources to
provide Ior their Iamilies and continue their education. The district will contact local colleges
and discuss the development oI some accelerated courses that teachers can attend during school
breaks. Next week, I will meet with the athletic director and some coaches to determine the most
eIIective method to maintain athletic programs.
The dialogue that took place at the previous meeting provided the board a chance to consider
parent and teacher concerns and to develop an action plan that will assist with the transition. We
will meet to discuss each oI the concerns Irom parents and teachers. Schools will invite parents
to complete a questionnaire to express their thoughts about other issues to address beIore
changing the schedule. We will take our time to gather input Irom stakeholders, minimize
possible negative eIIects, and make meaningIul changes that will enhance teaching and learning.
Our students are the center oI this decision-making progress. We will create a plan that will best
meet the needs oI students, Iamilies, school staII, and the community. I look Iorward to working
with each one oI you to make the best choices Ior our district.
Sincerely,
John Anderson