CPS announces the addition of 67 more Track E schools to start in August

I found an article on the CPS website from April 22, 2009. The article discussed the addition of Track E schools (year round). "Chicago Board of Education members are expected to vote today on increasing the number of schools that will operate on a “Track E” calendar from 65 to 132. Under the Track E calendar, schools open the first week of August instead of after Labor Day." It also discussed how children will attend the same number of schools as a school on a traditional calender. The only difference between traditional calenders and Track E calenders are that the breaks are shorter and frequently placed rather than a long vacation. In August of 2007 CPS increased the number of Track E schools from 18 to 41, than later in march added another 24 schools to follow the Track E schedule. And this past April they added another 67 elementary schools.

The article also pointed out the benefits of a Track E program

• Minimizes “learning loss” for kids who otherwise would be out of school an entire summer.
• Allows teachers better time management to design more meaningful lesson plans in shorter bursts, which can contribute to enhanced instructional programming and improved student achievement.
• Minimizes teacher burnout by providing for regular and better-spaced time off.
• Provides children with a safe environment.
• Regular scheduled time off allows for better student and staff attendance.