Time and Learning: Board Votes on Student Learning Time
| To: | Superintendents and Charter School Leaders |
| From: | Robert V. Antonucci, Commissioner of Education |
| Date: | January 10, 1997 |
At the Board of Education meeting of December 11, 1996, the Board discussed the Student Learning Time regulations adopted in 1994, and voted as follows:
- to reaffirm that the Student Learning Time regulations as adopted by the previous Board of Education will be the regulations that will direct Time and Learning for the 1997-1998 school year. Secondly, the Board strongly recommends that school committees and superintendents begin addressing the issue of extended days and alternative schedules as they collectively bargain their contracts.
This vote followed discussions at several recent meetings of the Board about the definition of "core subjects" in the Student Learning Time regulations. As used in the regulations, "core subjects" means the core academic subjects specified in General Laws c. 69, § 1D (mathematics, science and technology, history and social science, English, foreign languages and the arts), the subjects covered in courses which are part of an approved vocational-technical education program under G.L. c. 74, and subjects focused on helping students acquire the knowledge and skills described in the Common Core of Learning. At its December 1996 meeting, the Board concluded that while the term "core subjects" should be used according to its meaning in G.L. c. 69, § 1D, it would be disruptive to change the regulations now, while school districts are working to implement the requirements that take effect in September 1997. The Board's vote affirms the current Student Learning Time regulations, which establish the following standard effective September 1997:
- All public schools shall ensure that every student is scheduled to receive a minimum of 900 hours per year (elementary) or 990 hours per year (secondary) of structured learning time. Time which a student spends at lunch, passing between classes, in homeroom, at recess, in non-directed study periods, receiving school services, and participating in optional school programs shall not count toward meeting the minimum structured learning time requirement for that student. [603 CMR 27.04]
Under the regulations, "structured learning time" continues to be defined as:
- time during which students are engaged in regularly scheduled instruction, learning activities, or learning assessments within the curriculum for study of the core subjects [as defined in the regulations]. In addition to classroom time where both teachers and students are present, structured learning time may include directed study, independent study, technology-assisted learning, presentations by persons other than teachers, school-to-work programs, and statewide student performance assessments. [603 CMR 27.02]
As school districts plan their schedules, some questions have arisen about the Board's November 1996 vote to repeal the Physical Education regulations. The repeal eliminates the requirement to provide at least 60 hours of physical education instruction annually to students in grades 1-10, and at least 30 hours annually to students in kindergarten. It takes effect on July 1, 1997, which means the regulations continue in effect for the 1996-97 school year. Even after repeal of the regulations, the state statute on physical education, G.L. c. 71, § 3, will remain. It states, "Physical education shall be taught as a required subject in all grades for all students in the public schools for the purpose of promoting the physical well-being of students." In other words, public schools are required to provide physical education to all students in all grades, but local school officials may determine the hours of instruction for this subject as for other subjects of instruction.
In its December 1996 discussion on Time and Learning, the Board urged school officials to seek creative ways to expand learning time for students without undue cost. For example, the Board encourages school districts and teacher associations to consider implementing staggered schedules for teachers, which can extend the school day for students without requiring teachers to work additional hours. Similarly, if schedules for buses or other ancillary services are a barrier to extending the school day for students, the Board encourages school officials to make appropriate adjustments. In this context, the Board voted to recommend strongly that school officials begin addressing the issue of extended days and alternative schedules as they collectively bargain contracts with teachers and other staff.
The Board indicated that it will revisit the issue of Student Learning Time during 1997. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education plans to collect information from school districts about actions taken to implement the Student Learning Time standards and, in particular, the amount of time students in public schools are spending on the core academic subjects. You should expect to receive the survey form in April or May.
For more detailed information on Time and Learning, please refer to the Student Learning Time regulations (603 CMR 27.00), the Student Learning Time Guide published by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in May 1995, and the Student Learning Time flyer published by the Department in April 1996. Copies of these publications are available by calling (781) 338-3000. The Department also continues to provide technical assistance and information to school districts about implementing the Student Learning Time regulations. If you need assistance or further information, please call Deborah Walker at (781) 338-3000.
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