Code Number: 601.2
The District’s school calendar is based on the 1,080-hour minimum school year as established for the operation of accredited schools. An official hour of school is an hour in which the District is in session and students are under the guidance and instruction of the instructional professional staff. For purposes of this policy, an “hour” is defined as 60-minutes. The calculation of minimum hours shall exclude the lunch period. Passing time between classes may be counted as part of the hour requirement. School shall be considered in session during parent-teacher conferences as well as during activities such as field trips if students are engaged in programs or activities under the guidance and direction of the instructional professional staff.
The District has flexibility on how to reach the required threshold of 1,080 hours of instruction and will keep annual documentation of how the standard was met. The hours included in an individual day may vary.
The Board may define the number of instructional days or hours within the school calendar and the length of the school day for kindergarten. The school day will consist of a schedule as recommended by the Superintendent or his/her designee and approved by the Board.
Schedule revisions and changes in time allotments will be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
When school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies, the part of the day during which school was in session will count toward instructional time. The Superintendent or his/her designee will create administrative regulations necessary to utilize any remote learning opportunities that are available and permitted by law during the period of closure. Remote learning opportunities will count toward instructional time requirements as allowed by law. During the time of remote learning, student attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered and grades will count toward students’ cumulative grade point average. The provision of Special Education and accommodations for students who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans during periods of closure will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent or his/her designee to inform the Board annually of the instructional time requirements of the District.
- First Adoption:
- 2020-09-14
- Reviewed Dates:
- August 18, 2020
- Legal Reference:
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34 C.F.R. Pt. 300
28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
Iowa Code §§ 256.7, 279.8, .10
281 I.A.C. 12.1(1), .1(7-10)