Texas lawmakers are considering a bill to ban 4 day school weeks

I personally don't think 4 day school week is a good idea. This is just a gut feel for me.

pickme2 : What districts are 4 days? Did not realize Texas had any that were 4 day school weeks.

mutton :
AUSTIN (KXAN) - At least 159 school districts across Texas have now switched to four-day school weeks, often in a bid to prevent teacher turnover. At least 45 other districts offer a hybrid schedule, with four-day weeks for part of the year. The one locally that I am aware is Crosby ISD.

pickme2 :
You mean some teachers are leaving without 4 day weeks ??

billcherie2 :
Apparently so, many switch to the 4 day week districts and leave the 5 day week districts. Also read where some districts do it to save on busses and utilities cost.

pickme2 :
With the lack of contributions to the local school districts from Austin, even during years with massive surpluses, it shows the state does not value education like it should. I am not at all surprised with the results. But to be behind Mississippi is a sad state of affairs.

The idea that they do this for teacher retention is sad but I am guessing that it may be in districts that are more challenging to work in or have lower pay scales. Unfortunately, these will often be in the same districts with high numbers of economically disadvantaged populations. The very population that needs to have every opportunity to be educated. Not to mention these are also the same kids most likely to be left unsupervised on the days they aren't in school because single parents or all adults have jobs outside the home.Maybe the state could spend less on Starr testing that has taken more teachers out of the classroom than having to work 5 days a week IMO. Not to mention forcing a math curriculum that forces teachers to move at a mandated pace and teach with modules rather than rely on his/her skills to teach to the needs of her students.

pickme2 : Wow, had no idea. Thanks.

To be fair, I wouldn't want to be a teacher in today's landscape. They're incredibly underpaid, under valued, and politicians and absent parents have made their jobs nearly impossible.

TXLobo :
My 2 daughters are educators. The stories I hear about parents are scary.

pickme2 : the district saves on their costs while the parents have to find child care for that fifth day...hmmm maybe they take vouchers?

Donnawisdom : I personally do not think a 4 day school week is good. The kids are already playing catchup. Missing a day of school each week could not be good for the kids. If 4 day weeks are not available in the state then teachers will have to take the job and buck up or they could retire from teaching!

TEXASGIRLMAMMA :
I agree. Everybody should buck up. Accept what is dished out, or retire.

When my daughter went into public teaching she truly believed she was doing a godly service and was going to impact young lives in a positive way, after twelve years she realized that lawyers and politicians control, parents and teachers are an afterthought. She moved on to private school, and could not be more thrilled.