Guidance services designed as programs that have curriculum with specific learning outcomes, that serve an educational or skill-building function, and are integrated with the Common Core of Learning, could count as structured learning time. If a district wants to offer additional services and activities during the school day, one way to do so would be to supplement the school year with additional instructional hours for all students. Ideally, the district learning time plan should be integrated with a more comprehensive district improvement planning process that seeks to coordinate all of the district's Education Reform initiatives. One Example of a Planning Process Develop a Proposed District Student Learning Time Plan. Have the Superintendent and School Committee convene a district committee with representation from the grade levels, schools, and programs of the district, as well as from parents and community members.
Representatives are responsible for gaining input from all school councils.
Assess the number of hours that students are currently receiving at each grade level, school, and program, to determine the additional number of instructional hours into which students need to be scheduled to meet the student learning time standards. Discuss the student learning time implications of implementing the state curriculum frameworks and Common Core of Learning. Using the results of these discussions, develop a proposed plan for meeting the student learning time requirements for the kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Ensure that the proposed student learning time is focused on the Common Core of Learning and state curriculum frameworks. Disseminate the Draft Plan.