Why not convert all middle schools to multi-track year-round calendars?
Middle schools are usually organized into four-teacher instructional teams with each teacher having a different area of certification—language arts, social studies, mathematics and science. The four core teachers teach four “homeroom” classes within each team. Organizing teams for each grade level within four tracks for each grade level is challenging. The optimum arrangement is one team per track per grade level, which serves approximately 1,248 students. Any enrollment pattern less than the optimum will need some two-teacher teams, requiring teachers to have more than one area of certification and to teach multiple subjects. Optional multi-track middle schools can enroll the appropriate number of students through the application process and maintain the teaming structure. Conversion of existing middle schools from a single-track calendar to a multi-track calendar will result in differing numbers of students at each grade level and require the organization of more two-teacher instruct
