It’s Time

A Policy Analysis

Richard Therrien

The Problem

• “There’s not enough time!”

• Time and learning are related

• School reform expects time to be a factor

What is time in school?

• Allocated Time

• Instruction Time

• Time of task

• Academic Learning time

• Engagement Time

Not all Time is Equal

The Case

• Race to the Top includes Time!

• CT Academy examined time in CT in 1998.

• Mass Expanded Learning Time Initiative shows how in can be done

Mass Expanded Learning Time Conceptual Model

WHY?

• Student achievement compared other countries

• Demand on subject time, need 150% more!

• Subjects marginalized in curriculum

• Less than half of kids do something after school!

Why? (community)

• Health issues

• Social Services

• Justice system

Research

• Time is related to achievement, especially subject specific, and different models (40% reduction in achievement gap in the Mass schools)

• Time increases engagement

• School redesign/charters include it

The Criteria

• Achievement

• Organizational Feasibility

• Teacher efficacy

• Professional Development needed

• Parent Opinion/ Politics

• Cost

Criteria points

• Achievement goes up (if done right)

• Organization models are available

• Public supports it (67% in PDK/Gallup)

• Kids like it

• Cost: 10% more $ gets 30% time

The Options• Do the same• Add time, expand current programs: block

scheduling.• Add time, add similar programs: tutoring,

small group, intervention, TAG• Add time, add new programs: enrichment,

interdisciplinary, learning projects• Add time, extension activities/afterschool

partners

Cost Options (staffing)

The Recommendation

• It’s the process not the product.

• Voluntary participation by teachers

• Clear academic focus

• Community involvement and buy-in

• Professional time and collaboration

• School redesign as part of product

What to Do

• Commit to extended time in the school day.

• Start the process of redesign, time to fit learning needs.

• Involve all stakeholders

• Make sure key pieces are included