(A) Beginning with school year 2000-2001, the statutory school term is one hundred ninety days annually and at least one hundred eighty days must be used for student instruction. Of the remaining ten days, no more than two days may be used for preparation of opening of schools. Three days must be used for collegial professional development based upon the educational standards as required by Section 59-18-300 of the Education Accountability Act. The professional development shall address, at a minimum, academic achievement standards including strengthening teachers' knowledge in their content area, teaching techniques, and assessment. The remaining five days may be used for teacher planning, academic plans, and parent conferences.
(B) For school years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003, the statutory school term is one hundred ninety-three days and at least one hundred eighty days must be used for student instruction. Of the remaining thirteen days, seven days must be used for collegial professional development based on national professional development standards. This professional development shall address strengthening the knowledge of all teachers in content, teaching techniques, and assessment. Six days may be used for the development of student academic plans and conferencing with parents or the development of curriculum and instructional plans, and no more than two of these days may be used for preparation of opening of schools.
(C) Beginning with school year 2003-2004, the statutory school term is one hundred ninety-five days annually and at least one hundred eighty days must be used for student instruction. Of the remaining fifteen days, nine days must be used for collegial professional development based on national professional development standards. This professional development shall address strengthening the knowledge of all teachers in content, teaching techniques, and assessment. Six days may be used for the development of student academic plans and conferencing with parents or the development of curriculum and instructional plans, and no more than two of these days may be used for preparation of opening of schools.
(D) The provisions of subsections (B) and (C) of this section shall be implemented only upon funding by the General Assembly. Local school districts shall have no obligation to implement these subsections until funding is provided by the General Assembly.