Select public schools in Tennessee are expected to announce an expansion and redesign of their school calendars starting in 2013 in an effort to improve learning for thousands of students. 
In an announcement set for today, Tennessee will be one of five states to participate in the TIME collaborative effort announced by state leaders, the Ford Foundation, and the National Center on Time & Learning, to develop high-quality and sustainable expanded-time schools.
The states will look to add 300 hours of instruction and enrichment to the school year, and will receive technical assistance and capacity building grants, which has committed $3 million a year over the next three years in support of state efforts across the country.  About 20,000 students could be impacted from an expanded school calendar as early as next fall.
Participating schools will have the opportunity to completely re-imagine how time is used by both students and teachers. Schools are required to participate in a year-long planning process with their district, school, and union leadership, teachers, community partners and parents, to plan for the re-designed and expanded school schedule. Then, school planning teams are encouraged to develop an expanded-time schedule that provides a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum for all students; offers individualized help for students who are struggling; uses data and technology to inform and improve instruction; improves collaboration among teachers; provides enrichment opportunities in the arts, music and other areas critical to development; and promotes a culture of high achievement.  
A recent study by NCTL shows a significant increase over the last three years in the number of public schools that have expanded learning time. In Tennessee, the report found 23 expanded-time schools in the 2011-2012 school year. The most rapid growth has occurred among traditional district schools in recent years, not charter schools. As a result, district schools now account for 40 percent of all expanded-time schools, up from 20 percent of the total in 2009.Tn. Schools Could Add 300 Hours of Instruction by Next Fall