The rationale behind the pre-Labor Day start is about raising test scores, not helping students. Here is a quote from our superintendent written on the latest Thoughtexchange: “This early start provides opportunities for our students to receive more days of instruction prior to to [sic] taking MCA exams and Advanced Placement tests in the spring of the year.”

The early start is essentially gaming the standardized testing system. When students receive more days of instruction prior to testing, their test scores may increase. However, at the end of the school year, the students will not have any more knowledge or skills than if they had started school after Labor Day. When used for this purpose, the early start is actually a disservice to students.

Instead of finding ways to artificially inflate scores, I propose that we actually help students. The district’s time would be better spent looking at research and exploring methods proven to boost student achievement and providing training and support to teachers on these methods. I understand that test scores reflect far more variables than student achievement. However, improving student achievement is still the most effective way to boost test scores.

The following was included in the superintendent’s remarks on Thoughtexchange: “The early start also aligns with college schedules, as our high school students are finished with their first semester by the winter break, and do not have to worry about taking final exams after the break.” Having a gap in instruction prior to finals is actually representative of the college experience. On the traditional calendar, our district’s winter break is typically around nine days, and finals happen about a week or so after break. This year, at Minnesota State University, Mankato, finals week is scheduled a week after returning from a four-day Thanksgiving break. Since typical college courses range from one to three classes per week, the amount of days off of a specific class may be longer — for some classes more than nine days. Our traditional calendar may better prepare students for college than the early start calendar. In addition, many students may find the break useful to study or reenergize prior to finals.

If elected, as a member of the school board, I will continue to explore issues that matter to the public and find ways to best meet the needs of students.

Angie Hanson

Albert Lea