Can anyone share their experiences with a reduced school week of less than five days? Roseville just announced that it's going to a 4 1/2 day school week (losing 2 1/2 hours of learning time) next year to allow for "more teacher collaboration." I think it's more likely due to budget cuts and can't see any advantage to having students in school fewer hours (they're not making up the time the rest of the week). I am really upset about this news.
Would love to hear what parents who've gone through this transition have thought of the change and how far down test scores went as a result of it.
My son is in San Juan Unified School District and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday he gets out of school at 2:55pm and Thursday is early day where he gets out at 1:40pm. I didn't like it at first but I'm used to it now. As for test scores, I don't think 1 day a week getting out only 1 hour early will really effect scores. It will be okay. =)
M.,
San Juan district has a reduced week also. The kids get out early on thursdays. At first we hated it, but now we are used to it. I still have to remind myself what day it is, and that I have to pick them up an hour earlier now. As a result, there are no more teacher in staff days were the kids stay home. It all works out fine and I can schedule the kids appts earlier on thursdays after school, and not interupt their classes.
San Juan has been doing this for at least 2 years now, maybe three, I can't remember for sure.
W. M.
M.,
I am a teacher, so I can give you the teacher side of the situation...
There is a mandated number of instructional minutes that are required for the students to be in school. Even with the budget, this mandate is still in place, so the students will still be getting that time.
There are a number of districts throughout Sacramento and the surrounding areas that have either a late start or early out day designed for teacher collaboration. The opportunity for teachers to collaborate is a fabulous thing! This collaboration enables them to better serve your students. The teachers work together to design the best lessons and ensure that all students needs are being met.
This is a tough time for schools and all school employees. I know that the school I work in has been out of basic supplies for months now and we have been begging for donations to make it through the year. The teachers have to be really creative in redesigning lessons that do not require paper, pencils, or many other basic supplies. It is through this collaboration that these lessons have been developed.
Each grade level has specific standards that the students need to meet in order move on to the next grade. The teachers will still ensure that the students are meeting those standards. The collaboration will also give teachers a chance to look at each student within a grade and assess their progress.
If you have any other concerns, I would love to chat with you more.
S.
my sons school has always had this schedule. thursdays they get out at 1pm and the teachers all have a meeting to discuss problems, etc. like the other poster said, it is a great day to make appts and the like so they dont miss school. i dont think a half day a week is going to affect test scores. with your working from home at least you wont have to find child care!! once you get used to it, i think you'll see the benefits of having an afternoon during the week to do things.
