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KCS adding early release days for students throughout the upcoming school year

One reason for this proposal—it gives teachers designated times to prepare lessons and evaluate student progress.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Schools will implement early release days for students on the 2022-23 and 2023-24 calendars. 

District staff presented a proposal to the Board of Education on May 2 that would create six early release days in the 2022-23 school year. The Board of Education took up the topic during its May 4 meeting.

The proposal is aimed at improving student learning outcomes by: 

  • Giving teachers regular, designated times to prepare lessons and evaluate student progress.
  • Allowing educators from different subject areas to collaboratively discuss the well-being and academic performance of individual students.
  • Allowing educators from common subject areas to share insights about curriculum, teaching methods and assessment practices.
  • Helping principals provide professional development to their staff

The early release days would be held on the following dates in the 2022-23 school year: 

  • August 17
  • September 21
  • November 16
  • January 25
  • February 15
  • March 22

“Like any professional, teachers need time to prepare, share ideas and work collaboratively to support students,” soon-to-be KCS superintendent Jon Rysewyk said. “As we continue addressing academic challenges in the wake of the pandemic, I believe this initiative will ensure that our outstanding educators are equipped to meet the needs of students. I look forward to presenting this idea to the Board and hearing their feedback.”

Teachers would work their normal schedule on early release days. Pre-K students would be dismissed at 11:15 a.m., K-5 students would be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. and students in Grades 6-12 would be dismissed at 1:30 p.m., according to KCS. 

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