News of the Good – Less Is More, Denver School District Paves the Way
By: Lynn Owens – Confluence Daily is your daily news source for women in the know.
Spring has arrived, and we have begun the task of purging and clearing our lives of all that no longer serves us. We rid ourselves of clothes, obligations, and all of those items that no longer serve us, and make our heart skip a beat and sing joyfully. It’s refreshing and purely uplifting. We feel lighter, and smile brighter.
Well, this week a Denver school district announced beginning August 2018, the district will implement a four-day work week for both teachers and students. Students have always gone to school five days a week. There has always been a holiday break in December, a break in the spring, and a summer vacation. We knew the schedule and honored it as we planned vacations, weddings, and other events. The infamous “school calendar” has always been a part of our preparation.
While business organizations have shifted business models many times over the years. Businesses employ the remote model, job sharing, the independent consultant approach, and the list goes on. However, teachers and others in the education sector have remained in a five (5) day, Monday – Friday position.
What if lessening the time students are actually in schools provides greater focus on instruction, and lessens the paperwork and mundane tasks teachers are charged with? What if the result of this leads to less classroom management and classroom disruptions, and promotes better emotional health, physical health, and overall improved wellness?
Currently, American schools are struggling dealing with outdated funding formulas, the spillover of societal ills in the classroom, teacher shortages, and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on, I think you get the picture. However, this district’s approach may be the answer to their huge issues facing their district. Schools and education are highly complex entities, and there is no “one size fit all” solution for every public school in America. However, being a former educator I know parent engagement in the educational process is vital. I know schools must have adequate funding. Our students deserve the best and brightest teachers. And lastly, teachers deserve to be well compensated for their work.
In closing, I am eager to see the impact this change will have. Not just the student achievement data, but teacher retention, parent engagement, teacher attendance and student attendance, and if this district continues this schedule in the future.
Lynn Owens is a former public elementary school teacher and administrator, turned entrepreneur. She has learned to use her savvy skills of deliberate creation to manifest her heart’s truest desires and heal her body. She found her true passion and purpose when she became an LOA Coach. Lynn supports those who are stuck, frustrated, and feel trapped. Through her tried-and-true practices, Lynn helps clients “get off the merry-go-round” of frustration and lack, and step into their true purpose and passion of living the life of their dreams. Learn more about Lynn at www.allowspacenow.com
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