Fresno Unified School District, one of California’s largest districts with nearly 70,000 students, has recently implemented a weekly early release schedule on Tuesdays. This move aligns Fresno Unified with a growing trend among the state’s largest school districts, as well as neighboring districts in Fresno County that have been utilizing early release days for years. The decision to adopt an early release schedule comes as a result of contract negotiations with teachers that aimed to provide more time for professional development and collaboration among educators.
Impact on Fresno Unified and Surrounding Districts
The early release days in Fresno Unified will allow teachers and staff to engage in professional learning activities such as training and planning. Misty Her, the interim superintendent of Fresno Unified, emphasized the importance of providing teachers with the necessary time to collaborate and engage with parents and families. By dedicating one hour every Tuesday to professional development, teachers will have the opportunity to work together on improving student outcomes and academic gains.
In addition to Fresno Unified, other large school districts in California have also adopted early release schedules for similar purposes. Long Beach Unified refers to their early dismissal days as “prep days,” while San Bernardino City Unified calls them “Collaboration Day.” These districts recognize the value of providing teachers with dedicated time for professional development and collaboration. Clovis Unified, located in Fresno County, has been using early release days for at least 25 years, showcasing the long-standing benefits of this practice.
The implementation of early release days in Fresno Unified will also impact students and families. While students will spend one less hour in the classroom on Tuesdays, Superintendent Her assures that the time subtracted will be made up on other school days. After-school programs in Fresno Unified will continue to offer extended learning and support to students immediately after dismissal on Tuesdays. Buses will also run early to accommodate the new schedule.
Parental Perspective and After-School Care
For parents like Vicki Ramos, whose children attend Evergreen Elementary in Bakersfield, the early release schedule may present challenges for families with working parents. While stay-at-home parents may not be affected by the change, those with jobs may need to arrange for childcare on Tuesday afternoons. After-school programs play a crucial role in providing care for students during the early release days, ensuring that families have the support they need.
Despite the potential inconvenience for working parents, the early release schedule offers benefits for both students and teachers. Teachers will have more opportunities to connect with parents and intervene if students are struggling academically. By engaging with families on a weekly basis, educators can address issues early on and work collaboratively to support student learning and development.
Professional Development and Student Outcomes
Superintendent Her’s primary goal for Fresno Unified is to improve student outcomes by decreasing the distance from standards by 15% over the next two years. Distance from standards measures how far students are from meeting proficiency levels in academic subjects. The early release days provide teachers with dedicated time for professional development and collaboration, allowing them to target specific goals for student academic gains.
By working closely together, planning lessons collaboratively, and engaging with school administration, teachers in Fresno Unified aim to have a positive impact on student achievement. The focus on professional development during early-release schedules is designed to enhance teaching practices, improve student outcomes, and ultimately benefit the entire school community. Through ongoing collaboration and support, educators can create a more effective learning environment for students.
Conclusion
The implementation of a weekly early release schedule in Fresno Unified and other large school districts reflects a commitment to professional development, collaboration, and student success. By providing teachers with dedicated time for training, planning, and collaboration, schools aim to improve student outcomes and academic gains. The early release days offer opportunities for teachers to connect with parents, intervene early with struggling students, and work together to target specific goals for academic improvement. As Fresno Unified and other districts continue to prioritize professional development and collaboration, the benefits of this practice are expected to have a positive impact on student learning and overall school performance.