Last modified: Aprile 29, 2025

Policy No. 4210 Term of Instruction for School Days and the School Year

Download Policy No. 4210 Term of Instruction for School Days and the School Year Document

Scopo:

The purpose is to provide clarity for instructional time requirements and calendaring processes for Provo City School District.

Length of School Year

The schools of the district shall provide educational services over a minimum of 180 school days during each school year, except as follows:

The Board may reallocate up to 32 instructional hours or 4 school days for teacher preparation time or professional development by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board in a properly noticed and held public meeting.
If a reallocation is made, parents and guardians shall be notified of the school calendar at least 90 days before the beginning of the school year.
Unless the day is (1) one which has been reallocated in this way, (2) a day on which educational services are being provided to the school’s students through distance learning, or (3) a day when there is an emergency closure for weather or other emergency, a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program must provide school meals on each day that is scheduled toward the 180 school day requirement.

The required days of instruction may be provided at any time during the school year as determined by the Board. The Board will approve school calendars providing for instructional time and days in an open meeting.

Semester Basis

The district shall operate on a quarter or semester basis and shall adhere to the requirements of the appropriate curriculum prepared by the State Board of Education.

Beginning Date

Student attendance for the first semester of the regular school term shall be established by the Board pursuant to a calendar adopted annually.

Emergency/Activity Days

The annual school calendar adopted by the Board shall include exigency time for closures for emergencies, activities, or extreme weather conditions. If school is closed for these or any other reason, the instructional time missed shall be made up under the exigency time so that the minimum school program instructional requirements are met. However, the Board may request a waiver from the State Superintendent from the instructional day requirement as provided for in Utah Administrative Rules R277-121-5.

Parent-Teacher and Student Plan Conferences

With Board approval, schools may conduct parent-teacher and student Plan for College and Career Readiness conferences during the day and the time for those conferences may be counted as instructional time up to the equivalent of three full school days during a school year. If conferences are scheduled and held beyond contract time, compensatory hours will be provided to employees, and these compensatory hours/days will be counted as instructional time.

Kindergarten Assessment

The Board may designate up to five (5) instructional days at the beginning of the school year for assessment of students entering kindergarten. Assessments shall be conducted by qualified school employees. The assessment time per student must be adequate to justify the amount of instructional time used for assessment. Parents/guardians of these students shall receive information during the summer about the start-up processes for kindergarten. The number of days allotted for kindergarten assessment will be approved by the Board of Education in an open meeting when it formally adopts the calendar for the school year.

Length of Day and Schedule

A normal school day is not less than 6.5 hours, including intermissions and recesses, of which not less than 4 hours shall be devoted to instruction.

Exceptions for Students with Specific Needs

At the Board’s discretion, the length of the time an individual student is required to be in school on instructional days may be varied for students needing specific accommodations. Such variance will be established on an individual basis according to the student’s particular needs.

Legal References and Regulations

Approvato dal Consiglio d'istruzione

18 novembre 2014
Revised: March 28, 2025