Frequently Asked Questions about Proposed Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions: 2012-13 School Calendar (2-16-12)
1. What changes are proposed to the 2012-13 school calendar?
In 2012-13, the Minneapolis Public Schools are proposing two different start dates for two different groups of schools. Students in grades 1-12 at 16 schools identified as “high priority,” would begin the school year on Monday, August 20. This would add nine days to the calendar. Kindergartners at these schools would begin on August 22. High priority schools include Anishinabe, Bancroft, Bethune, Broadway, Cityview, Edison, Folwell (program moved from current Ramsey site), Green Central, Hall, Hmong International Academy, Lucy Laney, North, Olson, Pratt, Sheridan and Wellstone.
Students in grades 1-12 at all other schools would begin the school year on Monday, August 27. This would add four days to the calendar. Kindergartners at these schools would begin on August 29.
The 2012-13 calendar proposal also includes a winter recess of seven school days rather than previous years’ winter recess of 10 school days.
2. Why were these changes proposed?
Minneapolis has one of the largest achievement gaps in the nation and we all have a stake in helping every student succeed. This proposal represents a proven strategy to increase the amount of instructional time we are providing students, particularly at sites where academic performance is lower than at most other schools. When combined with other key strategies developed at school, research shows that additional time in the classroom can help students improve their academic performance, which is why it has been one of MPS’ priorities in negotiating the teacher contract.
3. What does “high priority” mean?
High priority schools are those that rank among the lowest 25% in MPS in terms of both student achievement and student academic growth. One of the many strategies the school district is using to help improve achievement at these schools is to lengthen the school year and provide students with more instructional time.
4. How many school days are required by law?
In 2012-13, MPS has proposed 176 instructional days at most schools (181 at high priority schools). The state requires that students have at least:
 425 instructional hours for kindergarten (equivalent of 170 days @ 2.5 hours)
 935 instructional hours for grades 1 - 6 (equivalent of 170 days @ 5.5 hours)
 1,020 instructional hours for grades 7 -12 (equivalent of 170 days @ 6 hours)
5. How many instructional days did MPS offer in 2011-12 compared to other area school districts?
 Harvest Prep 196 days
 Richfield 175 days
 St. Anthony 174 days
 Brooklyn Center 174 days
 S. Wash. Co. 174 days
 Rosemount 174 days
 N. St Paul 173 days
 Lakeville 173/175 days
 St. Paul 173/175 days
 MPS 172 days
 Eden Prairie 170 days
Other urban school districts:
 Baltimore 180 days
 Boston 180 days
 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 180 days (185 for 2012-13)
 Houston 180 days
 Memphis 180 days
 Philadelphia 181 days
 San Francisco 176 days
 St. Louis 176 days
6. Is it legal to start school before Labor Day?
State law requires school years to start after Labor Day. However, there are several exemptions to that law that provide school districts with the flexibility to develop an appropriate local calendar. MPS has legally started school before Labor Day during several recent school years.