Audit criticizes school calendar in Portland (Ore.) district

From The Portland Oregonian: Portland (Ore.) Public Schools will consider changes to its school calendar after an audit recommended the district move toward one common calendar for all students. Last year in Portland, 54 schools followed a trimester calendar, 30 schools followed a quarter calendar and two followed different year-round calendars. In addition, the district granted 111 waivers that permitted schools to make changes for parent conferences, late starts, early dismissals or staggered starts to the school year for certain grades. For the 2009-10 school year, the district has granted 180 waivers.Though using multiple calendars offers more school control, teacher planning time and parent involvement, the audit says all the changes cause lost instructional time, higher transportation costs and additional burdens on parents.