Data shows that time for teachers and building to collaborate is essential to well functioning and successful schools. Therefore, early release planning time shall be used to improve quality instruction and enhance student achievement as outlined by the school improvement plans. Teachers and building principals shall be accountable for early release planning time. The District shall be responsible for holding all parties accountable for appropriate use of time as outlined in this Memorandum of Understanding.
The parties agree that all schools within the District will utilize Early Release and individual plan time during the school year in the following manner:
A. Teachers will be given a minimum of five (5) individual teacher plan times per week as outlined in 11-4-1.
B. In any given week if a sixth (6th) plan time occurs at the elementary level, principals will have the opportunity to meet with teams, grade levels, departments, or entire staff during one (1) planning time per week.
C. Principals will notify staff one (1) week in advance if a daily planning period will be used or if there is a request to exchange times for early release to allow for building flexibility.
D. The early release Time shall be utilized as follows:
The first one half of the early release time will be individual self- directed teacher plan and the second half of the early release time will be for principal/ building/professional learning community needs. Each building will agree on the start times for PLCs.