Schools
D220 Schedule Changes: Much Ado About Nothing?
This week, the District 220 community continued to provide feedback on an advisory council's recommendation to change the school calendar.
The debate over whether to end the first semester of school in District 220 in December, prior to winter break, continued during a public hearing Tuesday.
The recommendation, made by a 35-member advisory council in September following a lengthy review process, has generated criticism as well as positive feedback.
Making the two semesters more even in length would result in more weeks of continuous instruction, and students would not have the stress of studying for final exams over winter break, cites the council's recommendation. Students would also have more time to prepare for spring standardized tests, college entrance exams and AP tests.
However, some parents are concerned approval of the schedule changes would result in an earlier start to the new school year and could adversely affect athletics and extra-curriculars, reported the Daily Herald.
The council's recommendation indicates school would begin no earlier than Aug. 20, while the average has been Aug. 23.
The school board is expected to reconvene discussion of the proposed changes at its Nov. 19 meeting.
Tell Us: Do you agree or disagree with the council's recommendation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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