Poly News
Polytechnic High School and other Local District 2 High Schools propose new Instructional Balanced Traditional Calendar for 2010-2011
Executive Summary: Balanced Traditional Calendar Proposal for 2010-2011
Introduction:
Polytechnic, Arleta, San Fernando and Sun Valley High Schools request approval from LAUSD to transition to a “Balanced Traditional Calendar” (BTC) for school year 2010-2011. A BTC would structure the school year effectively in two blocks of time consisting of 90 school days followed by 30 vacation days. This contrasts with a Traditional Calendar of 180 school days followed by 60 vacation days (a twelve-week summer break). Additionally, Poly HS is requesting that it continue operating on the 4x4 block schedule under the BTC. This proposal outlines the intended purpose, objectives, budgetary concerns and rationale for the transition into a BTC. Local District 2 high schools are collaborating in this effort.
Purpose:
Implement Intervention/Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtI2):
The BTC will improve the grade-level, core, standards-aligned curriculum and instruction (RtI2 Tier 1) by providing time for data-driven reflection, program evaluation and modification matched to student needs throughout the calendar year. A BTC provides time structures by affording two times in the year to add strategic and explicit instruction and intervention (RtI2 Tier 2). Accelerated and intensive instruction (RtI2 Tier 3) will also be provided during the school year and during the two breaks to keep students on grade level.
Provide Additional Credit Recovery Opportunities to Increase A-G Completion / Graduation Rates
The BTC will provide additional timely opportunities for students to make up classes in order to improve A-G completion and graduation rates. Since the board resolution involving A-G requirements, Poly has achieved among the highest completion rates in LAUSD (66.1% in 2007). By successfully leveraging multiple opportunities for enrichment and intersession on a year-round 4x4 calendar, students have shown the capacity to achieve these requirements in increasing numbers. To prevent the loss of opportunity available in a traditional calendar offering only one summer school session, the BTC provides students two four-week blocks of time for intervention and intersession. Students will be able to take credit recovery courses and other interventions in both summer and winter.
Minimize the Summer Learning Loss (Alexander, 2007) for at-risk students
Research studies indicate that students of lower socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to retain what they learned over a traditional summer break. This is particularly true for English learners (ELs), Standard English learners (SELs), students with disabilities (SWDs), and students reading below grade level. On the BTC, breaks are cut in half, improving learning retention. If the economy continues to worsen and further budget cuts are made, threatening intervention funds, students will benefit from the shorter breaks, minimizing the Summer Learning Loss on the BTC.
Provide Teacher Professional Development Time in Both the Summer and Winter Break
Opportunities to conduct professional development while students are on vacation are created during the winter break. This provides singular opportunities to deeply assess student progress by engaging in data-driven reflection and program evaluation in the middle of the school year. School resources will be reallocated to fund professional development while most students are on vacation. These professional development sessions will supplement the ongoing professional development that will continue to take place during the regular academic year.
Strengthen Partnerships with the Community Colleges to promote a College-Going Culture
Following the district’s mission of ensuring that all students are college- and career-ready, Poly HS has formed a strong partnership with the LACCD, including Valley College and Mission College. Hundreds of students are concurrently enrolled in community college classes on the high school campus. The BTC is aligned closely with Mission and Valley college quarters, enabling high school students to take a college class during the winter break for enrichment purposes.
