Northern Lights Public Schools will convert four professional development days into instructional days to help recover learning time lost during the recent 15-day teacher job action.

At its Nov. 26 meeting, the board approved changes recommended by administration after Alberta Education cancelled January diploma exams and provincial achievement tests. With exams no longer dictating the calendar, the division reviewed its schedule to restore as much classroom time as possible without altering Christmas or spring breaks.

The PD days on Dec. 5, Jan. 30, March 13, and May 1 will now become instructional days. High schools will also shorten their exam period to three days and begin second semester on Feb. 2.

Trustees acknowledged concerns about staff workload but agreed that regaining instructional time was necessary for students, particularly in courses that rely on continuity heading into the second semester.

Administration noted that the changes will not fully replace all lost days but represent the most practical option available in the shortened school year.

The board voted to approve the revised calendar.