If the first thing that comes to mind when shortening the school week is saving fuel costs and reducing the use of substitute teachers, perhaps Common Sense is at risk!
Oklahoma is enacting FOUR DAY SCHOOL WEEKS.
According to a May 31, 2017, article in D EDUCATION DIVE by Pat Donachie:
"...96 of the 513 school districts in the state have moved to four-day weeks — triple the number from 2015 — with another 44 considering a four-day week or shortening the school year in the fall, according to a school board survey last month."
The article points out that
"[The] move...doesn't save much money, but attracts applicants to typically low-paying teacher positions, according to The Washington Post....The Post reported that education spending had decreased by 14% since 2008, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, with only a few states spending less on students than Oklahoma. And some educators felt that so many cuts had been made already that there wasn't much left to be cut further."
Depending on HOW it is implemented - and further longitudinal studies of academic results are still years away - it's difficult to apply Common Sense to this situation. First, what are the real priorities?; Second, how does it affect academic learning?; and Third, what are the real savings? I suppose it might make Common Sense if ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, the quality of academic learning is NOT dependent on TIME in school.
I clearly have my doubts.
One Oklahoma Superintendent whose district went to a four-day week seems to brag that they are saving money on fuel costs. He is quoted as saying, “I’ve saved almost a teacher in diesel probably already.”
This same Superintendent says he estimated they would save one to two percent of their budget, and he says they are probably ahead of that.
He also points out that he is saving money by not having to hire substitutes on Fridays.
If the first thing that comes to mind is saving fuel costs and reducing the use of substitute teachers, perhaps Common Sense should raise concern.
To his credit, this Superintendent does believe an extra 45 minutes in class each day is working better for the kids. "“Our instruction time is a little bit longer day wise, so we can get more accomplished.” The problem is: we just don't know.
Calling Malcolm Gladwell! Is there definitive evidence a shorter week, but longer school day, improves learning? Are there any UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES?
My greatest fear is that our Texas Legislature will look north and follow Oklahoma's example. Are we sure we want to save FUEL COSTS and TEACHER SALARIES at the risk of the EDUCATION OF OUR YOUTH? Is the educational future of any child worth the cost of a tank of diesel?
If you have trouble commenting in the section below, PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR OPINIONS!
gfarr@searchingforcommonense.net
Supt quote source: http://kfor.com/2017/02/07/four-day-school-week-paying-off-for-local-districts-lawmakers-want-a-change/
I appreciate feedback of all kinds - positive, negative, affirmations, and completely different perspectives to my posts. If you have anything to share, please comment below, or send me an email: gregfarrcommonsense@yahoo.com
I post quotes from emails I receive. If you don't want credit, just say so in your email, otherwise, I will give you credit for the quotes I use.