REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A THREE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM THAT SHORTENS SCHOOL HOURS ON FRIDAYS FOR ONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ONE MIDDLE OR INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, AND ONE HIGH SCHOOL TO ALLOW STUDENTS MORE TIME TO WORK ON HOMEWORK.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella

SR 210 proposes a three-year pilot program to shorten Friday school hours for one elementary, middle, and high school, giving students more time for homework and self-study.

Referred to EDU.

#departmentofeducation #pilotprogram #report #shorterschoolhoursonfriday

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SR 210

Title: Requesting the Department of Education to Implement a Three-Year Pilot Program that Shortens School Hours on Fridays for One Elementary School, One Middle or Intermediate School, and One High School to Allow Students More Time to Work on Homework.

Status: Referred to the Education Committee (EDU)

Introduced On: March 07, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Subject Areas: Department of Education, Pilot Program, Report, Shorter School Hours on Friday

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SR 210 is to explore the feasibility and impact of shortening school hours on Fridays for students across different educational levels. By implementing a pilot program in one elementary school, one middle or intermediate school, and one high school, the bill aims to provide students with additional time to complete homework and engage in self-directed learning.

Key Provisions

Pilot Program Duration: The proposed pilot program will last for three years.

Participating Schools: The program will involve:

One elementary school
One middle or intermediate school
One high school

Shortened Hours: Schools participating in the pilot will have reduced hours on Fridays, although specific details on the extent of the reduction are not provided in the bill.

Reporting Requirements: The Department of Education will be tasked with evaluating the program and reporting on its outcomes, including any effects on student performance, homework completion rates, and overall student well-being.

Affected Parties

Students: The primary beneficiaries of the pilot program will be students in the selected schools, who will have more time for homework and personal study.

Educators and School Administrators: Teachers and school staff will need to adjust their schedules and curricula to accommodate the new hours.

Parents and Guardians: Families may experience changes in their weekly routines due to the altered school hours.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Actions:

March 07, 2025: The bill was offered.
March 12, 2025: The bill was referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: SR 210 has a companion bill, SCR 234, which may address similar issues or provide additional context for the pilot program.

Conclusion

SR 210 represents an innovative approach to education by seeking to provide students with more time for homework through a structured pilot program. The outcomes of this initiative could inform future educational policies regarding school hours and student workload. The bill is currently under review by the Education Committee, and its progress will be monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

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