Expanding Learning

This National Center on Time and Learning report describes how 17 highly effective schools have expanded their learning time in ways that allow for more professional learning opportunities. It includes assessment charts schools can use to judge how they can improve.

This research review from the National Center on Time and Learning describes how adding time to the school day and/or year can have a positive impact on student proficiency. The report outlines the potential benefits of expanded time for students and teachers, including more dedicated time for teacher collaboration and embedded professional development. 

Research conducted by American Institutes of Research (funded by The Boston Foundation) on extended school days in Boston found that the best-performing schools allow time for teachers to plan cooperatively, focus on professional development, and assess and work with individual students. High-performing schools were purposeful about their teachers’ time (for example, no teachers monitor lunch), and professional learning was built into the school schedule.