In the past, the Silver Falls School District had three teacher in-service days where students in kindergarten through eighth grade didn’t attend school so their teachers could have a professional planning day. At Silverton High School, students had late start days so their teachers could have time for professional development.
This year, students at all grade levels will have 12 two-hour early release days, with the first being Monday, Sept. 15.
Superintendent Craig Roessler said research has indicated it’s more beneficial to have the in-service days close together so teachers can follow-up on what was discussed or taught at the previous session.
“There was a discussion with the principals and the key teacher leaders that the quality of staff development would be better if it were more frequent,” Roessler said. “The teachers could meet and come back together four-weeks later to follow-up with what they did and what worked.”
By having the elementary schools and the high school on the same schedule, it will allow teachers to work together. For example, Roessler said, the sixth, seventh and eighth grade math teachers can now meet with the high school math teachers on curriculum planning.
“The state of Oregon has significantly raised the requirements for graduation that go into effect with the class of 2012,” he said. “The requirements have caused us to revamp our curriculum so more kids are ready to be successful starting Algebra 1 their freshmen year. All high school students are required three years of math.”
Roessler said he realizes the 12 early release days will be inconvenient to parents who may need to arrange childcare for 12 days for two hours instead of three full days.
He said the change is being made because district staff believes it will be beneficial to the students.
