At the end of last school year, DISD dangled an attractive incentive to high-performing students in grades 9-12 — if the students achieved certain academic and disciplinary milestones, they could end their school year eight days earlier than the rest of DISD. The intent was to encourage students to work hard during the year so they could earn their freedom May 30 instead of June 11 (eight school days early).
Well, the DISD board will be considering changing that plan at its Feb. 28 meeting, according to the DMN’s education blog. The four requirements to be released early: Achieve a certain high score on the state standardized text, pass all classes, miss seven or fewer days of school and avoid disciplinary actions that result in mandatory expulsion.
Turns out the state test scores won’t be available in time for DISD to determine who’s eligible to be released early on May 30, which puts a damper on the early-release plan.
Of course, as the DMN points out, some families apparently made plans for their early-release days, and now they might be looking at pulling kids out of school without a valid excuse, which can lead to all kinds of trouble. The only eligible early-release candidates for this year, if the changes are made Feb. 28, would be seniors who have met graduation requirements; DISD told the News that formerly eligible upperclassmen would be able to participate in a special field trip or receive some unspecified reward for their accomplishments.
Sounds like there will be a few more people than usual at the DISD board’s next meeting, which begins at 11:30 a.m. at DISD headquarters, 3700 Ross.
