This is an operational policy designed in consultation between the principal and teaching staff of Ridgway School. In accordance with NAG 3.18 this policy is written in conjunction with clause 3.30 of the Primary Teachers Collective Agreement 2013-2015.

Intent and purpose

The intent of classroom release time is to address teacher workload while maximising benefits for student learning.  Classroom release time will be professionally useful for the school’s teaching and learning programmes, the teacher’s professional growth, and the learning needs of the students.

1:  Use of Classroom Release Time at Ridgway School

Classroom Release Time will be used for the following purposes;

·  Collaborative Planning

·  Team professional development

·  Attestation Observations, & Peer Coaching Observations

·  Analysis of Assessment Data, including moderation of teacher judgements

·  Reflection  & Evaluation

Other uses may be agreed from time to time between teacher & principal.

2: Allocation of Classroom Release Time

A schedule will be prepared each term showing when teachers will receive their CRT.  The schedule will allow for either option 1 or option 2 below, or a combination of both.

1.  Members of teaching teams will released on the same day primarily to enable members to work together

or

2.  Teachers released for 1.5hr periods allowing for observations, coaching, or personal professional development

The total allocation for each full time teacher is 2 days per term.

3:  Allocation of Other Release Time

In addition to Classroom Release Time the following positions will be allocated release time

·  AP/DP 1.5 hrs/week Management responsibilities

·  SENCO 1.5 hrs/week

·  Sport Co-ordinator, PB4L Coach and other leadership positions – time as needed/negotiated

4:  When CRT cannot be provided for genuine reasons

Where for genuine reasons, during term planning or at short notice, it is not possible to provide CRT to an individual or group of teachers we will:

·  Endeavour to provide the release at another time

·  Record the reason for non-delivery

·  Use record of non-delivery when reviewing the policy

5:  Procedure Review

This policy will be reviewed annually at the end of each year or as staffing changes or student learning needs necessitate.

Signed

Principal

Date

Recorded in Board Minutes Date