Teachers and administrators discuss inquiry time during a learning forum on May 8. The model will be implemented this fall.
Starting this fall, students will be dismissed early from school once a month so that teachers can collaborate on how to improve learning outcomes.
Despite some concerns, trustees for School District 53 voted unanimously to approve the “team inquiry model” to start in September.
Pupils will leave school about 90 minutes early once a month for seven months throughout the year. This works out to 10.5 hours of reduced class time in a calendar year.
During these 90 minutes (tentatively slated for the last Wednesday of the month), teachers and administrators will meet to discuss how best to improve learning for all students, particularly those who are struggling.
School board chair Marieze Tarr said the focus is on quality of learning as opposed to quantity.
“We’re asking for kids to go to school three to five minutes less a day (about the time it takes for them to go to the washroom or put on their coats). Five minutes is not going to have a huge influence on their learning.”
Tarr pointed to Finland’s education system – the best in the world, with students receiving less instructional time than Canada and the US.
Tarr said she has heard from parents in Osoyoos who see the benefits for students, but there are also concerns about daycare availability on these days when kids are dismissed early. She noted that parks and recreation will have programs available for students on those afternoons.
Tarr said she is confident that communities will come up with solutions to address these child care concerns. She and fellow trustee June Harrington from Osoyoos expressed their hope that parents will help each other wherever they can.
Trustee Myrna Coates from Keremeos said the team inquiry model gives teachers time to work together in order to enhance learning for students. That’s all the convincing she needs.
Harrington said she sees tremendous value in this model, noting that inquiry time equals the same amount of time students would spend on a field trip on any given day.
Trustee Sam Hancheroff said any time you set aside for teachers to work together for the benefit of students, it always ends in success.
He said these strategies will give students an opportunity to work at their level in order to be successful.
Trustee Debbie Marten from Keremeos said she heard some concerns from parents regarding child care, but once she explained the model, they saw the benefits.
Oliver trustee Tamela Edwards said she was struggling with her decision. She pointed out that many parents are financially challenged and would have a hard time affording daycare services. She added that parks and recreation programs cost money.
“I want this (model) for my own daughter,” Edwards said.
In the end, she voted in favour of the motion.
Trustee Rob Zandee shared the quality-over-quantity sentiment.
“School is not a daycare, and it was not designed to be. It’s a place of learning.”
But he did acknowledge the concern about what to do with children on these early dismissal days.
However, he said people are very receptive to innovation and better quality learning outcomes for their kids.
Tarr said the district will review the initiative and report back next year to determine if it’s effective or not.
