The Member for Inuvik and the Member for Aivilik questioned the changes to the school year in relation to in-service days. Over the last two years the Department of Education found that many schools were open for less than the required 190 sessional days. Research in learning has shown that an increase in school days has a positive impact on the academic achievement of students. The department is making every effort to consistently maintain 190 sessional days as the standard. Under the Education Act, the Minister must authorize any change in the length of the school year.
In-service days are ordinarily held without closing a school, and therefore approval to change the school year is not required. However, should a school request a full or half day, the board must request the necessary approval from the Minister.