2010 Minnesota Statutes 120A.40 SCHOOL CALENDAR.

1. 2010 Minnesota Statutes 120A.40 SCHOOL CALENDAR. (a) Except for learning programs during summer, flexible learning year programs authorized under sections 1240.12 to 1240.127, and learning year programs under section 1240.128, a district must not commence an elementary or secondary school year before Labor Day, except as provided under paragraph (b). Days devoted to teachers' workshops may be held before Labor Day. Districts that enter into cooperative agreements are encouraged to adopt similar school calendars. (b) A district may begin the school year on any day before Labor Day: (1) to accommodate a construction or remodeling project of $400,000 or more affecting a district school facility; (2) if the district has an agreement under section 123A.30, 123A.32, or 123A.35 with a district that qualifies under clause (1); or (3) if the district agrees to the same schedule with a school district in an adjoining state.

2. What Does Labor Day Has to Do With School Start?? Mariam Qureshi

3. Kinds of School Year Calendar Traditional Calendar Balanced Year Calendar Year-Round Calendar Alternative or Modified Calendars

4. Historical Background The earliest schools had two calendars Horace Mann merges the two calendars in 1840’s Standardization began in early 20th century Norms of 40’s and 50’s 1980’s MN state law

5. Summary of Law • No school before a day after Labor Day. • Schools can be opened- additional academic support- same schedule as adjoining state • In-service days for teachers. • Major construction or renovation • Cooperative agreements

6. Discussion The idea behind this law = business/economic profits Economic and education decisions cannot be combined MN should start early and modify the school calendar

7. Stakeholder’s Perspective Cost more money Negative impact on economy Negative impact on summer jobs Affect continuing educational programs for many teachers. Difficult for single parent or two working parents Affect family vacations

8. Impact of Modified Calendar No more summer drop Less time on reviewing Good for economically disadvantaged students Practical for No Child Behind Decreased discipline referrals & increased attendance

9. Conclusion Education is number one priority The primary purpose of education Modifying calendar one of the many steps

10. References Cooper, H., Nye, B., Charlton, K., Lindsay, J., & Greathouse, S. (1996). The effects of summer vacation on achievement test scores: A narrative and meta-analytic review. Review of Educational Research, 66, 227-268. doi: 0.3102/00346543066003227 Cooper, H., Valentine, J. C., Charlton, K., & Melson, A. (2003). The effects of modified school calendars on student achievement and on school and community attitudes. Review of Educational Research, 73, 11-52. doi: 10.3102/00346543073001001 The cost to Pennsylvania’s economy resulting from school starting before labor day. (2006, September). Retrieved from http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/reports/2006/111.PDF Johnson, A. (2010, October). Year round school gains ground around U.S.msnbc.com. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39748458/ns/us_news-life/t/year-round-school-gains-ground-around-us/#.TnJ9BdSTK_I Morgan, J.,G. (2003). School calendar choices in Tennessee: A look at year round/traditional schools. Retrieved from https://www.ecs.org/html/Document.asp?chouseid=4514 Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. (2011). [Graph illustrates the balanced year calendar]. Why Use a Balanced Calendar? Retrieved from http://www.mnps.org/Page82143.aspx