“It works” | After moving to a 4-day study week in August, Hull-Daisetta ISD offers insight

Hull-Daisetta ISD said the transition went so well that they have already approved a four-day calendar for next year.

LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas. On Monday, the Crosby Independent School District made the decision to move to a four-day school week next year, now the largest district in Texas to make the change.

But a few smaller school districts made the switch a few months ago, like Hull-Daisetta ISD, and they said it went so well that they already approved a four-day calendar for next year.

When the bell at Hull Dyzett High School switched to another time, almost half of the school week was already over, and it was only Tuesday.

“We actually have shorter days, but the days are longer,” Superintendent Tim Bartram said.

Bartram said the entire district — elementary, junior high, and high school — moved to four days a week in August. They have a day off on Fridays. Other areas around them have also taken a step.

“And so we felt like we needed to move to a four-day (week) course too, because we’re all kind of competing for students,” Bartram said.

He said the change came with a bit of a learning curve, but said the positives far outweigh any negatives.

“Teachers had to get used to longer sessions… by developing lesson plans. Students need to be in the classroom for a longer period of time,” Bartram said. “There seems to be a culture of less stress in dealing with staff and students.”

Bartram said it helped increase enrollment and attract and retain teachers.

“That’s why you see most rural school districts turning to it. Because it really works. This year we had no vacancies for the first time in a long time,” Bartram said.

Teachers such as Ms. Goodman are among those who hold these positions.

“I still love four days. I like being able to have an extra day (day off). I don’t spend a lot of time at home giving grades,” Sherri Goodman said.

Bartram said they are sensitive that parents may need babysitting on Fridays, but so far this hasn’t been an issue.

He said the only thing that would bring them back to five days was if they saw a loss of learning.

“Student achievement is increasing, staying the same, or declining? And based on that, we will evaluate whether we stay on a four-day or go to a five-day in the future,” Bartram said.

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