IN SB0236

Schools in the highest performance category may conduct fewer than 180 instructional days if they instead provide 900 hours of instructional time for grades 1-6 or 1,080 hours for grades 7-12.

Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, public schools (except charter schools) must start instruction on or after the fourth Monday in August and end by June 10, with exceptions for year-round, balanced calendar, and coordinated calendar schools following public hearings and governing body approval.

Governing bodies may extend the school year end date beyond June 10 for any school with proper public notice, two public hearings, and a majority vote at a third hearing.

Schools starting before the fourth Monday in August may not conduct instructional days during the state fair period unless participating students receive excused absences.

Creates "high performing school corporation" designation for districts meeting 90% of benchmarks in eight areas including ISTEP performance, graduation rate, and ACT/SAT scores for two consecutive years, with statutory waivers for instructional day requirements and curriculum rules.