What is a Flex Period?

We propose offering one period per day where there is individualized, specialized programming at the same time for all students. This is already done at some of our schools, but we would expand this model to all schools. The Flex Period is to be utilized to address each student’s unique academic needs.

Potential uses for Flex Period include:

• English Language Learners spend time with English Language Development materials

• Extra time or help from teachers with general education; time for additional attention for any specific areas of struggle

• Time to address Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for certain students

• Integrating gifted IEP learning into daily practice

• Group project and group learning

• Enriching educational activities

• Exposure to career and technical options offered in PPS

We know that the ‘othering’ that occurs when we separate students for IEPs, ELD, etc is not good for our students. We also know that everyone has specific and individualized needs and those needs may be constantly changing. By providing a flexible period of study in which every student participates in individualized programming simultaneously, everyone is able to concentrate on a specific area of study that best augments their learning while minimizing the ‘othering.’ All students are able to maximize their education.