46 Schools Will Do Extended Academic Year Calendars for Enhanced Learning

Several leadership teams from Dallas ISD celebrated with a display of enthusiasm on Wednesday, showcasing a banner that caught the attention of passersby. This event marked the introduction of an intersession calendar, extending the academic year to commence in early August and conclude in late June.According to Nicole Lyons, principal of Harold Lang Middle School, this change aims to significantly address the achievement gaps often discussed. She believes that the extended schedule will provide more focused time with students, enabling engaging and relevant small group instruction.A total of forty-one schools have adopted this intersession calendar, which includes five additional weeks across the year. During these weeks, select students will receive personalized support in smaller groups, while teachers benefit from additional planning time.Meanwhile, five campuses, including Maple Lawn and Edna Rowe Elementary, embraced a School Day Redesign calendar, allowing for more collaboration among educators. This approach aligns with the district's commitment to mitigate the pandemic's long-term impact on educational outcomes. Deputy Chief Derek Little emphasized the importance of providing essential resources and support for every student in the district.