Q: Missouri requires all schools to adopt a school calendar that provides at least 174 days and 1,044 hours of instruction. Why does Rockwood require 180 student attendance days?

A: State law says that local boards must adopt school calendars which provide at least 174 days and 1,044 hours of instruction for all pupils in grades 1-12; and, at least 174 days and 522 hours for all pupils in kindergarten (Sections 163.021 and 171.031). Calendars may be different among schools or grade-level divisions within a district.
 
Many Missouri districts hold classes for more than 174 days – which is their option. Rockwood is committed to providing an excellent education to all students. It has been the practice of the district to have a 180 day student attendance calendar.

A recent survey by the National Center on Time and Learning indicated that 28 states require 180 days of instruction. Twelve states, including Missouri, required fewer than 180 days and only four - Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan and Ohio - with more. Six states set only total hours of instruction or leave it to school boards to decide.
 
Q: What is a conference compensation day?

A: This is a day that is provided for teachers twice a year because of the time spent outside of the school day for parent/teacher conferences.