Non-Instructional Days

Non-Instructional Days come in many forms and this can be confusing not only to the parents and the community but for teachers as well. Here is a breakdown of what Non-Instructional Days look like in Chilliwack:
Professional Development – teacher directed, teacher chosen; there are five professional development days provided in our Collective Agreement (D.22.3)
Collaboration – Inquiry based group collaboration directed and chosen by teachers that occurs after school 5-6 times per year; these collaborative sessions replace two Professional Development Days (in lieu days in November and May)
Inservice – District directed instruction for teachers that occurs during the work day; this can also include after school learning sessions which are based on district goals
School Based Staff Development – a day where Administration directs the learning of teachers; usually includes teambuilding activities and/or school goals
Reporting and Assessment Days – these are early dismissals and full days where teachers work on student assessment/evaluation and parent/teacher consultation (D.22.2.c); these days are teacher directed

Often we see these days listed on school calendars, websites, and sign boards as Professional Development and this is an incorrect reference. The CTA Released Officers are advocating for the use of “Non-Instructional Day” to help alleviate confusion amongst teachers and the general community.