The Texas Senate is presently considering a Texas bill that would terminate four-day school weeks in public schools across the state.
Texas Bill to Eliminate Four-Day School Weeks Statewide
The Texas bill called Senate Bill 2368, was proposed by State Senator Donna Campbell, a Republican from New Braunfels. Her reason behind the bill is that a shorter week in school can have negative consequences on both students and families.
According to a published article in KVUE, Senator Campbell believes that it’s important to prioritize the needs of students and their families, while many Texas school districts have either implemented or considered four-day weeks as a way to retain teachers.
The Texas State Teachers Association said there are presently 40 school districts across the state that have embraced the four-day week. However, if Texas Bill 2368 becomes law, all schools would be mandated to have a five-day week.
Senator Campbell argues that families have to find childcare during the one day off from school, which can create a hardship for working parents.
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Texas Bill Emphasizes Importance of Instructional Time
In her Texas bill 2368, Senator Campbell emphasizes the importance of instructional time for students, especially given the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She argues that students cannot afford to lose any more precious hours of instruction and that a five-day week would help ensure that they receive the best possible education.
If Texas Bill 2368 will be signed into law, the commissioner of education would have the control to approve lesser instructional days or minutes in cases where schools are closed due to severe weather conditions.
Schools would also be directed to provide a minimum of 175 instructional days per year, as well as a minimum of 75,600 minutes of instruction, breaks, and vacations for students.
In conclusion, while some teachers and parents have voiced concerns about the possible impact of Texas Bill 2368 on teacher retention and school schedules, supporters argue that it will help assure that students obtain the education they deserve. The bill is currently being heard in committee and is expected to cause debate in the coming weeks.
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