Senate Sends Classroom Time Bill to House

As the end of the legislative session draws closer, the Senate on Monday passed a bill to increase classroom time for students. It is part of the Senate Republican Agenda set at the beginning of the session in the wake of some public schools going to a four-day instructional week in hopes of saving money.

“More instructional time is a critical element in the formula of student success. That’s why Senate Republicans made this piece of legislation one of our four agenda items for this year’s session. When we look at education policy, everything we do should put the focus on the student. Senate Bill 441 puts student achievement squarely in focus by getting them more time in the classroom with a quality, professional educator,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat.

If the House passes Senate Bill 441 and the governor signs it, it wouldn’t take effect until the 2021-2022 school year. At that time public school districts will have three options to fulfill classroom time requirements. They are 165 days of classroom time, 1,080 hours with a minimum of 165 days of classroom time, or 1,080 hours with no minimum days of classroom time if districts are able to meet the minimum guidelines for school performance and cost savings.

The State Department of Education will have to set the guidelines with legislative approval.

SB 441 author Senator Marty Quinn contends if a school can prove the four-day week saves money and keeps students on track, they can stick with the format.

“Everyone can agree that it’s beneficial for a student to spend more time in the classroom learning from a quality teacher. More time in the classroom should help improve student outcomes and potentially reduce the rates of college remedial enrollment. It’s also important to preserve the right of local school districts to make decisions that are best to meet their needs. Senate Bill 441 is a great piece of legislation that puts the focus on the students and lets local schools make the ultimate decision on their school calendar. This bill has been the culmination of a lot of hard work by members of the Senate and I appreciate those senators who supported this bill,” Quinn said.

 


Print pagePDF pageEmail page

*

Copyright © The McCarville Report