TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Why move to the four-day week?
Will students following the four-day week format receive less time in the classroom? An average of 30 minutes per day will be added to Monday through Thursday instruction to ensure the required minutes in school. Texas requires 75,600 instructional minutes per year. DeKalb ISD will provide 77,500 (3.5 days over the minimum requirement) with a school day running Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Improve teacher recruitment and retention
Allow more time to meet state requirements for remediation and certification
Increase teacher
planning and preparation
Reduce teacher/ student burnout
Why are Fridays the chosen day to take off? Fridays are the lowest days of attendance in schools with the greatest need for substitute teachers.
What will parents do for childcare on Fridays? Districts implementing the four-day week will partner with community churches and childcare facilities to provide childcare at a low, affordable rate.
What are the financial benefits or costs? According to DeKalb ISD, their research states a district will save 0%-5%, and New Boston’s research stated .5%-5% savings. Districts voiced that they did not make the decision based on money.
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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