Oklahoma group says requirements for keeping four-day school week too strict

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Monday was the last day for people in favor of keeping a four-day school week to give their input on some proposed law changes.

A few years ago, school districts like Noble Public Schools switched to a four-day week to save money.

Now the district says the change has also improved attendance and gives students more time for extracurricular activities.

Under a recent law change, districts will need to have 165 school days in a year.

To be exempt from that, the State Department of Education says schools must be equal or above average in things like test scores and graduation rates.

“We believe that these rules as written are unattainable by design, and they present a discriminatory and antagonistic sentiment towards rural Oklahoma schools," said Erika Wright, a member of Noble's Board of Education.

She says 90 percent of schools in the state would not qualify.

Instead of meeting or exceeding the state average, Wright and other supporters of the four-day week would like it to be changed to "no decline" in those statistics to be exempt.

According to state data, Noble is spending 150 days in the classroom.

“I think this is about keeping high expectations for our kids and giving our teachers ample time to teach, and that’s going to take more time on instruction not less," said State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

She says 165 days was already a compromise, the national average is 180.

"Now, if they want to fall even further below that, which I think is extremely low, then they’re going to need to demonstrate to the state that students are successful, not just treading water," Hofmeister said.

After reviewing public comments, the State Board of Education will vote on a final set of requirements, which will likely take place before the next legislative session.

In total, 86 Oklahoma school districts have gone to four-day weeks.

Those law changes will go into effect in the 2021-2022 school year.