The educational budget crisis is impacting students more than ever. In Oklahoma, many students are now experiencing four-day school weeks—a development that might seem appealing at first glance, but it highlights a significant misalignment of budgeting and priorities. Unfortunately, it is the children who suffer due to these adult-driven decisions.
The Shift to Four-Day School Weeks
The trend of reducing the school week began in 2009 when Oklahoma passed legislation aimed at addressing school cancellations due to inclement weather. Previously, students were required to attend school for six hours a day over 180 days. The new law permitted schools to meet their educational needs with either 180 days of six-hour sessions or a total of 1,080 instructional hours per year. This shift allowed schools to extend their daily hours by approximately 45 minutes while only holding classes four days a week.
Due to years of tax cuts and dwindling sales tax revenues, Oklahoma schools are grappling with a massive financial crisis. Schools have already eliminated critical extracurricular programs such as music and art, with some institutions even charging students to participate in sports. Teachers have faced stagnant salaries for years, placing Oklahoma 49th in the nation for teacher compensation as of 2013. They haven’t seen raises since 2008, leading many to seek employment across state lines for better pay. The shift to a four-day school week is perceived as a strategy to retain teachers and cut operational costs, including utility expenses and transportation.
The Cost of Budget Cuts
The budget cuts have forced some districts to adopt a reduced school week, but at what cost? As we cut educational funding, discussions about allocating resources to build a $67 billion wall continue. It’s disheartening to think about the priorities that are being set.
A survey by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association revealed that 96 out of 513 school districts in Oklahoma have transitioned to a four-day school week, often eliminating either Fridays or Mondays. This number represents a dramatic increase—four times what it was in 2013 and nearly triple from 2015.
Research Findings
Tim Sanders, an educational researcher, examined the outcomes of a shorter school week in his 2014 doctoral dissertation. His findings indicated that while students initially performed better under a four-day schedule compared to their peers, their academic performance declined over time as teachers struggled to maintain pacing. “It’s easy for educators to slip back into old habits,” he noted.
Challenges for Working Parents
For working parents, a four-day school week poses significant challenges. Many rely on a traditional schedule to balance their jobs with childcare. Additionally, students who depend on subsidized meals face heightened food insecurity, losing out on essential nutrition. Superintendent Laura Mitchell from the Greenfield school district has advocated for a return to a five-day week, emphasizing the need to support the 88 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.
The Future of Education in Oklahoma
Given the current administration’s education funding proposals, prospects for improvement in Oklahoma’s educational landscape appear grim. Children are supposed to represent our future, yet without the proper educational support, their potential remains unfulfilled.
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In summary, the shift to a four-day school week in Oklahoma serves as a stark reminder of misplaced priorities in educational funding. As we navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to advocate for policies that truly prioritize our children’s education and well-being.