Legislative Hour Requirements

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    Pursuant to state statute and board rules, the local board of education shall provide for the adoption of a district calendar (and individual school calendars, where appropriate) that meet the following minimum requirements for each school within the district:

    • Each school is in session for a minimum of 160 days ("student contact days")
    • Each school is scheduled a minimum number of hours of planned teacher‐ pupil instruction and teacher‐pupil contact during the school year ("instructional hours")

     

    In order to meet the legislative requirement, schools must offer minimum instructional hours in the school year. To determine if your school meets the legislative requirement, the following must be completed in IC:

    • School calendar designating all instructional and non-instructional days.
    • Bell schedule(s) with start and end times of each period.

     

    Use the table below to determine the Required Instructional Hours: 

  • Required Instructional Hours Table

    Grade Level

    Required Instructional Hours

    Minimum Required Instructional Hours

    ECE

    Have at least 360 hours of instructional time  available   for the school year.

    ECE can have a minimum of 351 hours of instructional time if approved   by the Board of Education.

    Kindergarten

    Have at least 900 hours of instructional time available   for the school year full day OR 450 hours for half day.

    Kindergarten can have a minimum of 870 hours for full day or 435 hours   for half day of instructional time if approved by the Board of Education.

    Elementary  Schools

    (Grades 01-06)

    Have at least 990 hours of instructional time available   for the school year.

    An elementary school can have a minimum of 968 hours of instructional   time if approved by the Board of Education.

    Secondary    Schools

    (Grades 06-13)

    Have at least 1080 hours of instructional time available   for the school year.

    A secondary school can have a minimum of 1056 hours of instructional   time if approved by the Board of Education.

  • Resources

    Instructional Hours Frequently Asked Questions

    Link to CDE School District Calendar Guidance - Minimum Days and Minimum Instructional Hours (1080 requirement)

    To determine if your school meets the Legislative Hour Requirement, please utilize the Period Schedule Worksheet Tool

    To view your current instructional hours, please visit the Instructional School Hours Report. This tool is to assist you and may not be able to account for every situation.