AMI days bring positive change to education

By: Olivia Morris, Contributing Writer

​Days of having to extend the school year by days or weeks are gone.

Alternative methods of instruction (AMI) days are keeping students engaged and keeping lessons on track no matter the weather. By providing this remote learning plan, AMI days allow the students and teachers to continue with their curriculum when they return back to school without having to go over past lessons. 

Instead of traditional snow days, students participate in what is referred to as AMI days. Students are required to complete assignments given to them by their teachers by 5:00 p.m. that night unless approved by the teacher or principal. All resources needed are provided to the students. This approach keeps up the momentum of learning and prevents the need to extend out the school year. High school Spanish teacher, Julie Exendine, states, “Even though it's not a full lesson, I like that it allows us an opportunity to reinforce what we are learning. It helps keep the momentum going and we are able to continue on when we return to school. AMI days also help because so many schedule vacations and would miss the make-up days placed at the end of the year.”

AMI days provide more than just a new way of learning. Teachers are provided a new opportunity to come up with creative ways to teach their lessons and connect with their students. AMI days also allow students to work on time management skills and independence. “I definitely value working at my own pace. AMI days allow students to do their work when they want. This lets us still enjoy our snow day, while learning,” explains Kassena Ridgel, a junior at Centralia High School.  

AMI days are providing an appreciated balance between education and safety. Children are able to keep working in dangerous weather conditions without risking their safety on icy roads or sidewalks. Jerick Kalinowski, a sophomore at CHS, said, “Us being teenagers, of course we prefer to not be at school, but AMI days are good. It allows us to work at our own pace while still remaining safe and being able to get a break.”

AMI days are bringing new opportunities to students at the comfort of their own homes, keeping students of all ages safe from inclimate weather. After January 21, the school district has one more AMI day and two regular snow days left to use before having to add days onto the end of the school year.