An Educational Opportunity

 

May 6, 2024

 

Some rural school districts in Missouri are considering a 4-day school week in order to cut costs, and the state legislature is offering (small) incentives to keep the school week at 5 days. Under proposed legislation, some of those districts would also need to hold elections before they moved to a 4-day week.

 

I was intrigued to read in the Post-Dispatch that State Sen. Doug Beck is supporting incentives for 5-day school weeks because he thinks that a 4-day week doesn’t benefit students. I eagerly turned to Page A5 to read his reasoning, but there was nothing more from him. Did he offer an explanation that wasn’t printed in the story?

 

I can think of arguments both pro and con regarding the shorter school week, but does Sen. Beck have any research, or even anecdotal evidence, to back up his position? If not, it sounds like he’s basing legislation on his opinion.

 

This could be an educational opportunity for lawmakers: Learn the basics of research and analysis; demonstrate a grasp of the subject in question; then think about passing laws.