Tea commissioner burdens the 4-day school week

Austin, Texas – When the independent (Liberty Hill Independent School District (ISD) is preparing to switch to the four -day school week of the majority in the next academic year, Mike Morath, Commissioner of Texas Education Agency, pressed skepticism about the potential advantages for students.

During a recent appearance in front of the legislators of the state, Morath said that the model could affect the learning time and the students were statistically damaged.

The superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD, Steven Snell, does not agree with Morath's assessment.

“It is a big change. It is a big change on how we make things,” said Snell two weeks ago.

He emphasized that the new schedule is designed to support the physical and mental health of the teachers, which he is crucial for the success of the students in the classroom.

Last week, the district board of trustees approved a hybrid schedule for the coming school year. The students will take part in the courses four days a week in October, November, January to March and in May.

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The Rep. Charles Cunningham, a Humble Republican, questioned the effects of a four -day school week on the learning of the students. Morath replied.

“It is bad. Data is quite clear,” said Morath.

Before the House Education Committee, Morath stated that an analysis of the Staar scores in recent years showed a statistically significant reduction in reading and mathematics in connection with four-day school weeks.

Despite Morath's concerns, he admitted that some districts successfully implemented the model under controlled conditions without negative effects on the results of the students.

Snell remains optimistic about Liberty Hill ISD's approach.

“We believe that it is a good combination of five -day weeks and four -day weeks that we can really maximize the educational process in Liberty Hill,” said Snell.

A study carried out by Baylor University last August showed that 103 school districts in Texas worked under a four -day class model, with only one district returning to a five -day schedule.