The schedule at Ideal Elementary school is specially designed to maximize student learning.
The expanded school day includes at least 9 hours of combined academic instruction and enrichment opportunities. The expanded schedule allows additional time daily for core literacy and math instruction (between 90-120 minutes for each daily), without sacrificing other subjects or enrichment classes. It also allows teachers to cover more ground, delve deeper into content, and employ creative instructional strategies. In essence, increased time in school translates into extra class time. Extra class time means extra instructional time, and extra instructional time results in more academic learning time. When learning time increases, so does academic achievement.
In addition to additional academic instruction, the expanded learning time also provides opportunities for enrichment activities and teacher planning, collaboration and professional development.
Enrichment activities are hands-on, project-based, coordinated with teaching staff, complement academic opportunities, and include direct ties to the curriculum and college-bound culture initiatives.
Special service schedules also integrate with core instruction to allow for instructional interventions at a one-to-one individualized learning level.
In addition to extended days, extended year services are also available, including weekend and summer sessions.
References
Expanded Learning Time Toolkit: Redesigning Schools to Enable Higher Achievement and a Well-Rounded Education, National Center on Time & Learning (2008).