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ADVANTAGE ACADEMY LAUNCHES 3-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR 4-DAY INSTRUCTIONAL WEEK WITH FLEXIBLE FRIDAYS

Posted by Taylor Karrh on 3/20/2023 2:00:00 PM

ADVANTAGE ACADEMY LAUNCHES 3-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR 4-DAY INSTRUCTIONAL WEEK WITH FLEXIBLE FRIDAYS
Press Release

DALLAS, TX - Advantage Academy is excited to announce the launch of a 3-year pilot program for a 4-day instructional week with flexible Fridays beginning in the 2023/24 school year. This change is aimed at attracting and retaining high-quality educators to positively impact instruction and learning outcomes. Studies have shown that this schedule positively affects student learning outcomes, school culture, and staff morale and wellness.

The new schedule offers many benefits to students, families, and educators alike, including more time for teacher planning and training, as well as intensive instructional practices for students who need it most. The pilot program will be evaluated annually, tracking results in all areas. If the results do not show improvements in student achievement, the district will consider going back to a 5-day instructional week.

Advantage Academy will continue to have athletics and extracurricular activities as usual; some activities may be necessary to continue on Friday. Those scheduling options are still pending.

For parents who do not have other childcare options for Fridays, parents will be able to sign up for the Afterschool program, which will be available all day on Fridays for the 2023/24 school year. Additionally, some Fridays will require certain students to attend, due to attendance, behavioral, or academic needs.

The plan is to try this for 3 years and track results in all areas. The pilot plan will be re-evaluated on an annual basis. If the results do not show improvements in student achievement, the district will re-consider going back to a 5-day instructional week. Data from STAAR assessments, MAP data, attendance, enrollment, discipline data, climate surveys, and employee retention and recruitment data will be considered.

For more information about Advantage Academy's 4-day instructional week, visit our website, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our regular email newsletter.

For media request
Contact Taylor Karrh
Marketing and Public Relations Director
taylor.karrh@advantageacademy.org