Half Days Plan Is Unsatisfactory
Somehow in the recent history of our public schools, common sense parted with the reality that teachers, parents and students live each day. This occurred in the scheduling of professional planning days. Now in Spokane District 81, and most other districts throughout the Inland Northwest, classes end early eight times a year.
Professional planning days are valuable. Organizations become more innovative if they take the time to look forward and allow “the well” to fill with ideas that enhance young minds and souls. And schools need this well-filling time more than ever.
But surely there exists a better way. Early release days are disruptive, counterproductive and potentially harmful to children.
Why disruptive? Even in families where one parent stays home, rescheduling eight days a school year requires remarkable coordination. And for working moms and dads, the half days add another burden to an already burdened schedule. Sometimes even the best of parents forget about the half days, stranding children at school. Kerry Faggiano, a devoted mom, marketing director and community volunteer, juggles many different duties in one day. Yet she forgot her children once. “It’s crazy,” she said. She’s right.
Why counterproductive? Try being creative after teaching a morning’s worth of classes to kids already a bit wired in anticipation of an afternoon off. Try being innovative after lunch in that hour when, genetically, we are programmed for long naps. Yet the planning sessions now begin in the afternoons, after a morning of teaching.
Why a potential tragedy? Latchkey kids are already a big concern. On these eight early release days, chances are good that many more children will be home alone. Or they might get lost in the logistics and find themselves walking home or stranded.
What is the solution? District 81 deserves kudos for allowing the dialogue to begin. That’s an important first step. We hope other districts will follow the example. One proposed solution is to set aside four full days, scheduled on Fridays, so families can plan for long weekends. Teachers would then have the luxury of a complete day of brainstorming. Or districts could ask for a waiver from state laws that require 180 days a year in school. (The half days were designed to circumvent the requirement.)
Teachers, administrators, union representatives, parents and students should work on the solution together. Common sense and reality parted ways, but it’s not too late to join them together again in a plan that works for everyone.